Bellsbank meteorite

The Bellsbank meteorite is a hexahedrite iron meteorite with abundant schreibersite. It is classified as a member of the IIG group. It was found in Bellsbank, South Africa in 1955.

Bellsbank
Type	Iron meteorite
Structural classification	Hexahedrite[1]
Group	IIG[2]
Parent body	IIG-IIAB[2]
Composition	Meteoric iron (Kamacite), Schreibersite
Country	South Africa
Coordinates	28°5′S 24°5′E[1]
Observed fall	No
Found date	1955[1]
TKW	38 kilograms (84 lb)[1]

Discovery and naming

The meteorite was found in 1955 near Bellsbank (28°5′S 24°5′E), northwest of Kimberley (South Africa). Only one specimen with a mass of 38 kilograms (84 lb) was dug out from a field.^[1] The meteorite was first described in 1959.^[3]

Description

The meteorite is hexahedrite iron meteorite. It consists of meteoric iron (exclusively kamacite) and schreibersite. The surface of the meteorite is pitted and weathered. Upon etching the meteorite shows Neumann lines.^[3] The meteoric iron has Nickel concentrations as low as 1.6%.^[2]

Classification

The Bellsbank meteorite was the type specimen of the grouplet called "Bellsbank Trio". After 5 meteorites were found the grouplet was renamed IIG group.^[2]