162 



The Bingera iron (pear-shaped) is of a very rare type, one 

 from Mexico being the only known meteorite that resembles it. 

 That from Cowra is also of an uncommon type, the AVidman- 

 statten figures being of a much finer structure than the usual 

 type (compare Avith the Bella Eoca iron on the top shelf). The 

 small fragment from near Temora is also almost unique ; it is 

 believed to have been broken off a large mass, which one would 

 very much, like to find. The two large irons found at Mungindi 

 (Queensland side), early in 1897, weighed 52 lb. and Glib, 

 respectively. The figures shown are very clear, while the 

 meteorites themselves show the pitted surface, so characteristic 

 of these bodies, extremely well. 



Tlie Mungindi Meteorites. — Early in 1897 these two large 

 meteorites were found lying, one on top of the other, partly 

 imbedded in the soil on the Queensland side of the New South 

 Wales border, three miles north of the Mungindi Post Oifice 

 (N.S.W.) When acquired they weighed about 60| ib. and 50^ ib. 

 respectively, but pieces had been detached previously. The 

 composition is as follows : — 



Iron... 



90-307 



jS"ickel 



8-230 



Cobalt 



1-360 



Phosphorus... 



-093 



Carbon 



-010 



Sulphur (traces) 





100-000 

 Specific gravity, 7-4. 



Both meteorites are very hard to cut. Polished surfaces can 

 be etched witli weak acid with exceptional rapidity, and the 

 resulting figures are beautifully clear, showing a distinct 

 octahedral structure. iiSrodules of troilite (sulphide of iron) 

 and small patches of sclireihersiie (phosphide of iron and 

 nickel) are shown on the etched faces. 



Prom the weathering they have undergone, it is evident that 

 the " irons " had lain for a considerable time. In places the 

 weathering has been sufficient to bring out the crystalline 

 structure naturally. 



