Two minerals that have never been seen before on Earth were discovered in the ‘Al-Ali’ meteorite that fell in Somalia. The researchers also say that a potential third mineral may be found.
Researchers at the Canadian University of Alberta discovered two new minerals never before seen on Earth in the El-Ali meteorite, which fell in Somalia in 2020.
New minerals named “elaliite” and “elkistantonite”
Scientists from the University of Alberta announced that they discovered two new minerals that had not been seen before, in a 70 gram section taken from the meteorite. As a result of the analyzes made, the researchers classified El-Ali as “Iron IAB complex meteorite”, a type consisting of fragments of small silicate particles and meteor-derived iron, and named the new minerals “elaliite” and “elkistantonite”.
According to the information shared, the first of these minerals refers to the town of El Ali in the Hiiraan region of Somalia, and the second refers to Lindy Elkins-Tanton, the general manager of the Arizona State University Interplanetary Initiative.
Although it is a long process for scientists to confirm a new mineral, it is reported that studies have accelerated due to the fact that these two minerals were previously created synthetically on Earth. In addition, it was stated that a third mineral could be found as a result of the researches, while scientists from the University of Alberta stated that the meteorite was transported from Somalia to China to find a potential buyer.
As it is known, scientists have been working on asteroids and meteorites for a long time. But the new discovery may provide some important clues about their formation.
