uvalites

Uvalites are a type of achondrite meteorite, specifically a rare subgroup of aubrites. They are characterized by their igneous origin, meaning they formed from molten rock. Uvalites are named after Uvalde, Texas, where the first known specimen was found in 1923.

These meteorites are notable for their unusual mineralogy. They are rich in enstatite, a magnesium-rich pyroxene mineral, and often contain olivine and troilite. Their texture is typically coarse-grained and granular, with a grayish-green to greenish-brown color. Unlike many meteorites, uvalites show little to no evidence of fusion crust, suggesting they may have experienced a relatively gentle entry into Earth's atmosphere or have undergone significant weathering after impact.

The origin of uvalites is believed to be from the surface of a differentiated asteroid that experienced significant heating. Their specific parent body is not definitively known but is thought to be part of the inner solar system. The high enstatite content and reducing conditions under which they formed suggest a unique planetary environment. Studying uvalites provides valuable insights into the early processes of planetary formation and the composition of rocky bodies in our solar system. They remain a subject of ongoing scientific research due to their rarity and distinct characteristics.