Meteorite Pallasite Brenham – Kansas, USA

Brenham is a well-known type of pallasite meteorite that is special because of its composition and its history of finds. It is found primarily in the area near Haviland, Kansas, USA, and is one of the largest pallasite meteorites ever discovered. Pallasites are a rare type of meteorite, composed of iron-nickel metal and olivine crystals, giving them their distinctive appearance.

The Brenham meteorite was first discovered in 1882 by H.O. Shepard, who found several smaller fragments in a field near Haviland, Kansas. Later, in 1928, Daniel Moreau Barringer, known for his work on a meteor crater in Arizona, funded further exploration of the area, during which additional fragments of the meteorite were found. The total amount found is approximately 4.3 tonnes.

The area around Haviland has been repeatedly explored and searched by other enthusiasts and geologists. One of the largest meteorite fragments, weighing over 450 kg, was discovered in 2005 by Steve Arnold and Philip Mani. This discovery attracted much media attention and popularity among meteorite collectors.

Composition

The Brenham meteorite is classified as a pallasite, a rare type of meteorite that contains approximately 50% metallic components (mainly iron and nickel) and 50% olivine crystals. These olivine crystals are usually transparent and can be various shades of green and yellow. When cut and polished, these crystals give pallasites a unique appearance.

Origin

Pallasites, including Brenham, are thought to be fragments of the transition zone between the mantle and the core of planetesimals or small protoplanets that formed in the early solar system. Their composition suggests that they are material that formed under extreme temperatures and pressures, providing scientists with valuable information about the internal processes of these planetesimals.