Researchers Discover , 2 New Minerals , in Massive Meteorite.
CBS reports that a massive meteorite discovered
in Somalia was found to contain at least two new
minerals that have never before been seen on Earth.
Locals had been aware of the "El Ali"
meteorite for five to seven generations before
officials "discovered" it two years ago.
Researchers from the University of Alberta analyzed
a 70-gram slice of the 15.2 ton meteorite to find
two new minerals: elaliite and elkinstantonite.
Researchers from the University of Alberta analyzed
a 70-gram slice of the 15.2 ton meteorite to find
two new minerals: elaliite and elkinstantonite.
The University of Alberta said in a press
conference that a possible third new mineral
may have also been discovered in the meteorite.
The university's Meteor Collection curator, Chris Herd,
helped make the discovery along with Andrew Locock,
the head of the Electron Microprobe Laboratory.
According to Herd, the team , "happened to stumble upon" , the new minerals, calling it a happy accident.
We didn't go in looking
for new minerals, we just
happened to find them, Chris Herd, University of Alberta Professor
and Meteor Collection curator, via CBS.
CBS reports that research into the new
minerals could lead to new applications
in scientific fields and more.
That's my expertise – how you tease out
the geologic processes and the geologic
history of the asteroid this rock was once
part of. I never thought I'd be involved
in describing brand new minerals just
by virtue of working on a meteorite, Chris Herd, University of Alberta Professor
and Meteor Collection curator, via CBS.
According to Herd, it remains unclear if researchers
will have the opportunity to obtain more samples as
the meteorite may have been moved to China and sold.