Two minerals never before been seen on Earth found inside 17-ton meteorite In an exciting discovery reported by a team of researchers from the University of Alberta, two new minerals have been identified within a slice of the El Ali meteorite, which fell in Somalia in 2020. This significant finding marks the first time these minerals have been recognized on Earth, highlighting the unique geological conditions present in space.
The Discovery
The two previously unrecognized minerals were extracted from a small 2.5-ounce (70-gram) sample of the 16.5-ton El Ali meteorite. The researchers have named the minerals
ilaliite—after the meteor—and
elkinstantonite, honoring Lindy Elkin Stanton, the director of the Arizona State University interplanetary initiative and principal investigator of NASA's upcoming Psyche Mission. This mission aims to explore the Psyche asteroid, which is believed to be composed of metallic elements that could provide insights into the formation of our Solar System.
Geophysical Implications
Chris Herd, a professor in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Alberta, emphasized the excitement of discovering minerals that reflect previously unseen geological conditions. The El Ali meteorite is classified as an iron IAB complex meteorite, which contains meteoric iron and small silicate inclusions. The identification of these new minerals involved a comparative analysis with lab-synthesized counterparts, reinforcing their status as new entries to mineralogy. The team has plans to investigate the meteorite further, aiming to uncover more about the conditions and processes that led to the formation of these newly discovered minerals. This work highlights the potential for understanding the evolutionary history of planetary bodies in our Solar System.
A Concern for Future Research
However, there is some concern regarding the ongoing accessibility for research. The El Ali meteorite has been moved to China as part of efforts to find a buyer, which could limit the ongoing scientific explorations and understanding of this celestial rock. Overall, this discovery not only enriches our knowledge of cosmic materials but also underscores the importance of collaboration between researchers and institutions in exploring the mysteries of space. What do you think about the implications of these discoveries? Have you followed any similar findings in planetary sciences? Share your thoughts below!
