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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Diyodar Meteorite
Mains level: Not Much
Central idea: A rare and unique meteorite, known as the Diyodar meteorite, was discovered in Banaskantha, Gujarat in December 2022. It is significant because it is the first aubrite to be found in India in 170 years.
What are Aubrites?
- Aubrites are a type of meteorite that are believed to have formed on a different planet in the early solar system.
- They are known for their unusual mineralogy and composition and are believed to have originated from a differentiated parent body, such as an asteroid or a planetesimal.
- They are primarily composed of a mineral called enstatite, which is a magnesium-rich silicate. They also contain other minerals such as nickel-iron, troilite, and chromite.
- Aubrites are relatively rare, comprising only about 0.1% of all known meteorites.
- They are believed to have formed under highly reducing conditions, with very little oxygen present.
Meteorite found in Diyodar, Gujarat
- The Diyodar meteorite is thought to be around 4.5 billion years old, and it is believed to have originated from the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.
- Its discovery provides scientists with an opportunity to study the composition and structure of these unique meteorites.
- This, in turn, can help researchers to better understand the early solar system and the processes that led to the formation of planets.
Its composition
- Around 90% of the meteorite was composed of orthopyroxene.
- Pyroxenes are silicates consisting of single chains of silica tetrahedra (SiO 4); orthopyroxenes are pyroxenes with a certain structure.
- Pyroxenes such as diopside and jadeite have been used as gems. Spodumene was historically used as lithium ore.
- Rocks with pyroxene have also been used to make a crushed stone that is used in construction.
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