Baja California

Iron, IIIAB
Baja California, Mexico, Classified in 2020

The Baja California meteorite was found near a ranch in Baja California, Mexico before July of 2017. After being analyzed by research specialists at the University of Arizona, it was officially submitted for classification as an Iron, IIIAB. This class of iron meteorite is often used by scientists investigating the core crystallization in asteroids and similar celestial bodies. Some of the largest irons ever found are IIIAB irons, like Cape York, Chupaderos, Morito, and Willamette. Recent research from Jamshid Hassanzadeh, Alan E. Rubin, and John T. Wasson reveal a link between mesosiderites, main group pallasites, and IIIAB irons.

The 10 kilogram single individual displayed weathered fusion crust with pits over the entire surface, and an unusual cavity where an inclusion ablated away as the meteorite hurtled through our atmosphere. Baja California features an absolutely eye-catching interior and exhibits some schreibersite, a mineral found in nickel-iron meteorites. Some Baja California slices will display delicate ribbons of schreibersite running alongside pinched ends of taenite, accented by fine grains of sulfides and raisin-like inclusions of troilite, a rare mineral. Aerolite Meteorites co-owns the mass and was involved in its classification.