Kobe meteorite, Kita-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture, Japani

Regional Level Types
Kobe meteorite	Meteorite Fall Location
Kita-ku	- not defined -
Kobe City	City
Hyogo Prefecture	Prefecture
Japan	Country

Carbonaceous Chondrite [CK4]

The Kobe meteorite was seen by a large number of people, photographed, and then heard as it struck a roof just north of Kobe [City]. At that time the small 136 g meteorite promptly broke into 12 even smaller fragments. Kobe is a member of the class of Carbonaceous Chondrites characterized by near solar bulk Mg/Si ratios and characteristic oxygen isotope composition. As a CK (Karoonda-like) Carbonaceous chondrite, Kobe is further distinguished by its abundant matrix (~75%), chondrules, and high degree of oxidation. Kobe’s CK4 petrologic type reflects its abundant chondrules rich in homogenized Olivine and, to a lesser extent, Pyroxene. As meteorites the CK group are somewhat unusual in that (unoxidized) Fe-Ni is usually sparse or absent.

Kobe is one of only two observed CK falls. Unfortunately, its small mass makes detailed comparisons with the more massive CKs less than optimum. Prototype Karoonda (41.7 kg), a 1930 fall, and several other finds of moderate mass finds are available for study. However, separating out small pre-terrestrial phyllosilicates and sulfides in meteorite finds from the products of terrestrial weathering products is usually a difficult if not impossible task. Kobe’s modest mineralogical inventory — such as it is — provides a modicum of ‘ground truth’ for understanding the putative CK home world or ‘parent body.’

Other Regions, Features and Areas containing this locality

References