Millbillillie (meteorite)

Millbillillie meteorite is a meteorite named after the cattle station in Western Australia on which it fell in October 1960.[1] It is classified as a eucrite achondrite, a kind of stony meteorite.

Millbillillie
A 175 grams (6.2 oz) individual of the Millbillillie meteorite shower, a eucrite achondrite that fell in Western Australia in 1960. This specimen is approx. 6 centimetres (2.4 in) wide. Note the shiny black fusion crust with flow lines. The chip at lower right allows one to see the light-gray interior. The orange staining at top is a result of weathering, as these stones were not recovered until many years after they fell.
TypeAchondrite
ClanHED meteorites[1]
GroupEucrite[1]
Parent bodyPossibly 4 Vesta[1]
CountryAustralia[1]
RegionMillbillillie & Jundee Stations, Wiluna district, Western Australia[1]
Coordinates26°27′S 120°22′E[1]
Observed fallYes[1]
Fall date1960-10[1]
Found date1970[1]
TKW330 kilograms (730 lb)[1]
Strewn fieldYes[1]
77 grams (2.7 oz) oriented specimen of the Millbillillie eucrite meteorite.
Related media on Wikimedia Commons

History

21.78 grams (0.768 oz) complete specimen.

A fireball was observed "with sparks coming off it" by two stationworkers while they were opening a gate in the boundary fence on a track between Millbillillie and Jundee cattle stations.[1] The object fell on a plain to the north.[1] No search was made at the time but in 1970 and 1971 locals found two stones; Aboriginals have found others since.[1] The largest stone weighed 20 kilograms (44 lb).[1] It and a smaller one of 565 grams (19.9 oz) are held by the Western Australian Museum.[1]

As of May 2018 pieces of Millbillillie were on sale for around US$30/g.[2]

See also

References

  1. "Millbillillie". Meteoritical Bulletin Database. Meteoritical Society. Retrieved 7 January 2013.
  2. "MILLBILLILLIE – A WITNESSED FALL". STONE METEORITES FOR SALE. AEROLITE METEORITES, LLC. Retrieved 16 May 2018.
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