Schematic example illustration for the knowledge article “Aubrites”
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Detailed explanation

Aubrites consist mainly of magnesium-rich, iron-poor enstatite. Many are strongly brecciated and contain minor olivine, metal and troilite.

Their igneous origin clearly separates them from primitive enstatite chondrites.

Main mineral
enstatite

Parent body not definitively identified

Spectral similarities connect aubrites with E-type asteroids and the Hungaria region. Proposed individual parent bodies do not automatically apply to the entire group.

Pale enstatite achondrites

Aubrites consist mainly of nearly iron-free, magnesium-rich enstatite, so their interiors are often unusually pale. They may be brecciated and contain small grains of metal, troilite and rare sulphides stable under highly oxygen-poor conditions.

Fresh specimens may have a dark to brownish fusion crust contrasting strongly with the pale interior. This appearance is striking but not unique; reliable identification requires mineral chemistry and isotopic data.

Parent body and open questions

Aubrites formed by melting and crystallisation on a highly reduced parent body. Spectral similarities link them to E-type asteroids, while dynamical models discuss objects in the Hungaria region among possible sources.

An origin on Mercury has been proposed because of the reduced mineralogy but is not established. The careful conclusion is that aubrites came from a differentiated, enstatite-rich asteroid or related bodies whose exact identity remains under study.

Short & simple

The essentials in 30 seconds

  • Light-coloured, enstatite-rich achondrites from highly reducing igneous conditions.
  • Aubrites consist mainly of magnesium-rich, iron-poor enstatite. Many are strongly brecciated and contain minor olivine, metal and troilite.
  • Their igneous origin clearly separates them from primitive enstatite chondrites.

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Editorially paraphrased and expanded from the linked specialist and primary sources; reviewed 24 August 2026. New classifications and database entries may require later updates.