D'Orbigny - Angrite Meteorite

A meteorite thin section from The Curchin Collection

What is D’Orbigny?

The D’Orbigny meteorite was found near Buenos Aires, Argentina in 1979. It is classified as an angrite, which is a type of basalt with a high calcium content compared to aluminum and alkali metals. D’Orbigny’s parent body is unknown, but it has many spectral similarities with 5261 Eureka, a tiny body that shares Mars’ orbit.

Under the Microscope

In transmitted, cross-polarized light, D’Orbigny exhibits a subophitic texture with distinct skeletal laths of plagioclase, surrounded by an augite and olivine matrix. Without knowing its origin, this angrite looks just like its terrestrial counterpart!