A very small portion of all meteorites discovered do not fit into any of our known groups – these “misfits” are categorized as ungrouped meteorites.
Erg Chech 002 might very well be the most important ungrouped meteorite discovered thus far.
Not only does it have a chemical composition unlike anything we have ever seen, but it also contains large bright green crystals of Pyroxene that are clear enough to be cut into gemstones.
AN INTRODUCTION TO ERG CHECH 002
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Research confirmed that this meteorite is the oldest volcanic rock analyzed to date, shedding light on the formation of the primordial crusts that covered the first protoplanets.
Such large bodies were frequent during the formation of the solar system, but have now almost all disappeared. They were destroyed or collided with other planets, such as the Earth, forging the planets into what they are today. It is possible that this meteorite is a relic of a protoplanet that collided with Earth during its early formation.
INTERESTING FACTS
This meteorite is over 4.6 Billion years old, originating in the early stages of our solar system’s formation, predating the Earth!
Official name: Erg Chech 002
Classification: ungrouped achondrite
Weight: 2720gr
Age: 4.6 billion years old
Origin: Morocco
Type: Stony meteorite
Official name: Erg Chech 002
Classification: ungrouped achondrite
Weight: 2720gr
Age: 4.6 billion years old
Origin: Morocco
Type: Stony meteorite