Dark asteroids exhibiting intermediate characteristics between C and X types

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ID: 317066
2026
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Abstract
Abstract Large main-belt asteroids with visible geometric albedos below 0.1 are predominantly classified within the C- and X-complex spectroscopic classes. C-type and dark X-type asteroids typically exhibit flat to slightly negative and positive spectral slopes, respectively. They are further distinguished by the presence (for C-types) or absence (for dark X-types) of a shallow absorption feature near 1.0–1.3 μm. We serendipitously discovered that the asteroids 1093 Freda and 1390 Abastumani display spectral characteristics intermediate between these two classes, combining a positive visible-to-near-infrared spectral slope with a shallow absorption band. A search in the literature reveals additional asteroids with similar properties. The existence of such objects, spanning a continuum of spectral shapes between C- and dark X-types, may point to a common genetic origin. Their spectral behavior could be explained by the presence of cronstedtite, an Fe-rich serpentine, on their surfaces.
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openalex_W7164365894 Use this key to autocite in the manuscript while using SciMatic Manuscript Manager or Thesis Manager
Authors Sunao Hasegawa, Chrysa Avdellidou, Michaël Marsset, Ullas Bhat, Marco Delbo, D. Kuroda, M. Matsuoka, Masateru Ishiguro, Cristina A. Thomas, F. E. DeMeo, Pierre Vernazza
Journal monthly notices of the royal astronomical society
Year 2026
DOI
10.1093/mnras/stag1095
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