Sebkha el Melah 001 Aubrite, Individual Enstatite Crystal, 2.51g, Natural Uncut

One of the most enstatite rich aubrites on record

Sebkha el Melah 001 is an aubrite, a type of enstatite achondrite, found in Mali in 2022. Petrographic work at the University of New Mexico reports that enstatite makes up roughly 98 percent of the meteorite, one of the highest modal abundances of enstatite documented in an aubrite. This listing is for a single individual enstatite crystal from that classified material, weighing 2.51 grams and offered in natural, uncut condition.

Structure and features of this specimen

This piece is an individual enstatite crystal separated from the coarse, interlocking clusters that make up Sebkha el Melah 001. The crystal is cream to milky white, with flat cleavage faces and fine cleavage traces running across the surface, consistent with the pegmatitic texture described for this meteorite. Light tan surface patina and a few scattered dark specks are present on the exterior. The specimen is photographed alongside a one centimeter titanium scale cube and in a labeled display box so you can judge proportion and presentation. It browses within the Aubrites collection and the wider Stony Meteorites collection.

Discovery and provenance

Sebkha el Melah 001 was found in late March 2022 in the region of Wad Alhath in Mali, about 54 kilometers northeast of the village of Tamanieret and 245 kilometers southeast of Taoudenni, by Sahrawi meteorite hunters. The total recovered amount was approximately 17 kilograms. Bachir Salek obtained 12.5 kilograms, including the main mass, which weighs 3550 grams. The meteorite was classified by C. Agee at the University of New Mexico, with petrography and geochemistry by A. Ross and C. Agee, and a 216 gram type specimen is on deposit at UNM. The name was approved on 12 November 2022 and published in the Meteoritical Bulletin, No. 111 (2023).

Scientific context

Aubrites are enstatite achondrites, igneous rocks that formed under highly reducing conditions on a differentiated parent body and are dominated by nearly iron free enstatite. In Sebkha el Melah 001, electron microprobe analysis found enstatite at about 98 percent, with scattered small diopside grains, a single olivine grain, and accessory kamacite, taenite, schreibersite, Ti-troilite, troilite, and daubreelite. No feldspar was found in the microprobe mount. The enstatite, diopside, and forsterite carry some of the lowest iron contents ever documented in an aubrite, below electron microprobe major element detection limits. The meteorite is classified as an aubrite, non-brecciated, after Keil (1989). As of July 2026, Sebkha el Melah 001 is 1 of 91 approved meteorites classified as Aubrite in the Meteoritical Bulletin. To read more about this class, see our guides on what an achondrite is and how meteorites are classified.

Frequently asked questions

Is this an authentic, classified meteorite?
Yes. Sebkha el Melah 001 is an officially classified aubrite recorded in the Meteoritical Bulletin, No. 111. This individual crystal is authentic material from that classified find and ships with a certificate of authenticity from Treasure Coast Meteorite Co., IMCA member #3323.

What is an aubrite?
An aubrite is an enstatite achondrite, an igneous stony meteorite made up almost entirely of the magnesium silicate enstatite, formed under strongly reducing conditions. You can learn more on our achondrite guide.

Is the crystal cut or polished?
No. This is a natural individual enstatite crystal with its cleavage faces intact. It has not been cut or polished.

What documentation is included?
Each order includes a certificate of authenticity and is offered by Treasure Coast Meteorite Co., IMCA member #3323. Read more about our authenticity and certificates.

Collector significance

Aubrites are a small group among the enstatite achondrites, and Sebkha el Melah 001 stands out for its very high enstatite content and its exceptionally low iron chemistry. An individual crystal like this one presents the material in its natural crystalline form, showing the cleavage and pegmatitic character that define the meteorite, at an accessible size for a display case or teaching collection. Full classification data, provenance, and petrography are published in the Meteoritical Bulletin entry for Sebkha el Melah 001.