Viñales Meteorite - 180.7 Grams. Ordinary Chondrite, L6. Pinar del Rio, Cuba - (22°37.17'N, 83°44.57'W). Fall: Feb... (Total: 2 Items)

Description

Viñales Meteorite - 180.7 Grams
Ordinary Chondrite, L6
Pinar del Rio, Cuba - (22°37.17'N, 83°44.57'W)
Fall: February 1, 2019

One of the most significant meteoritic events in Cuban history, the Viñales fall occurred on February 1, 2019, when a meteor entered the atmosphere above Pinar del Río Province and exploded with a force estimated at 1.5 kilotons. The impact scattered numerous fragments across the Viñales Valley, marking only the second recorded meteorite fall in Cuba, the first occurring in 1994. This specimen exhibits a dark fusion crust, formed by atmospheric heating, and a matrix composed primarily of olivine and pyroxene minerals, with visible metallic inclusions of Pyrrhotite and occasional Chromite grains. Prominent black shock veins traverse the surface, attesting to the intense pressures experienced during impact. Remarkably, this piece was recovered at the base of a yucca plant that it struck upon landing. The preserved section of the impacted plant branch is included with the meteorite, offering a tangible record of the fall's trajectory and energy. A rare and well-documented specimen from the Viñales fall, combining scientific significance and exceptional provenance.
Meteorite Measurements: 2.51 x 1.93 x 1.51 inches (6.38 x 4.90 x 3.83 cm), weighs 180.7 grams

Provenance: Property of a Distinguished Southern California Collector

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