An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

A type of → achondrite meteorite composed mostly of the magnesium silicate mineral → enstatite (Mg₂Si₂O₆). The group is named for the small Aubres → meteorite that fell near Nyons, France, on Sep. 14, 1836. Outside Antarctica only about 10 aubrites are known, mostly the result of witnessed falls. Aubrites make up only 0.14% of all known meteorites in our terrestrial meteorite collection.

See also: From Fr. Aubres, a commune in the Drôme department in southeastern France; + → -ite.