Two minerals never seen on Earth before were discovered in a gigantic meteorite weighing 16.5 tons, offering researchers possible clues about how the space rocks are formed.
Samples of the meteorite were taken and sent to the University of Alberta for classification, where researchers discovered the minerals. Researchers also said they may have identified a third new mineral, though it was still being reviewed. The findings were introduced at the university's Space Exploration Symposium on Nov. 21 and 22.
"Whenever you find a new mineral, it means that the actual geological conditions, the chemistry of the rock, was different than what’s been found before," Chris Herd, curator of the University of Alberta’s Meteorite Collection and professor in Earth and atmospheric sciences, said in a statement."That’s what makes this exciting: In this particular meteorite you have two officially described minerals that are new to science.
Herd knew there was something unique in the slice when he first observed it, so he called in colleague Andrew Locock, who had been involved in mineral descriptions before, the university said. The minerals had been syntheticallymade before, so Locock confirmed the new minerals by comparing the compositions of the natural and man-made minerals.
One of the minerals was named elaliite, in reference to the meteorite's name, which comes from the region it was found in Somalia. The other was named elkinstantonite, in honor of Lindy Elkins-Tanton, vice president of Arizona State University's Interplanetary Initiative and principal investigator on
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Meteorite found in Somalia turns out to contain two minerals that are not found on EarthMeteorites found on Earth provide us insights into what space is made up of and how different it is from the planet we call home
Read more »
Two minerals never before been seen on Earth found inside 17-ton meteoriteThe minerals were found inside a slice of the El Ali meteorite, which landed in Somalia in 2020
Read more »
Another Speeding Tesla Model Y Rams Into Two Cars Killing Two In China | CarscoopsAnother Speeding Tesla Model Y Rams Into Two Cars Killing Two In China | Carscoops carscoops
Read more »
OK, Artemis. Now You're Just Showing Off. A Stunning View of the Moon Eclipsing Earth From the Orion SpacecraftHave you ever seen a lunar eclipse of the Earth from the far side of the Moon? Now we have. On Monday (November 28, 2022) NASA’s Orion spacecraft streamed back live video showing the Earth and Moon right next to each other, followed by a stunning view of the Moon eclipsing the Earth. What a … Continue reading 'OK, Artemis. Now You’re Just Showing Off. A Stunning View of the Moon Eclipsing Earth From the Orion Spacecraft'
Read more »
Remains of four infants found in apartment as police launch homicide probeBREAKING: Remains of four infants found in apartment as police launch homicide probe
Read more »
Remains of 4 infants found inside Boston apartmentThe remains are of two boys and two girls, Boston police said.
Read more »