Allan Hills A81229 Meteorite Quick Facts
- Name: Allan Hills A81229
- Year Discovered: 1981
- Approximate Recovery Location: Antarctica
- Precise Recovery Location: (-76.69222, 159.34972)
- Mass: 40 grams
- Classification: L3.3
- Discovery Type: find
- Condition: Valid
More Details About the Allan Hills A81229 Meteorite
The Allan Hills A81229 meteorite was discovered in 1981. It was recovered in Antarctica (-76.69222, 159.34972). It has a mass of 40 grams.
Allan Hills A81229 is considered a “Valid” meteorite. “Valid” meteorites are typical meteorites with average weathering, while “relict” meteorites are those that have been extremely altered, either due to weathering over time or human intervention.
Allan Hills A81229’s official classification is L3.3. The classification “L3.3” refers to an ordinary chondrite from the L group that is of petrologic type 3. Ordinary chondrites are a major class of meteorites known for their abundance of chondrules (small mineral grains) and relatively low levels of aqueous alteration. The L group within this class is characterized by moderate-sized chondrules and specific oxygen isotope compositions, and petrologic type 3 indicates minimal aqueous alteration and distinct mineral features like monoclinic low-Ca pyroxene grains with twinning.
The Allan Hills A81229 meteorite is a “find” meteorite. Meteorites are classified as “falls” if they were observed falling and recovered, while “finds” are those discovered later, often weathered by longer exposure to Earth’s environment and without a record of being seen as they fell.
Do you have information about the Allan Hills A81229 meteorite? Share it with us.
Learn More About Meteorites
Discover more meteorites with our interactive meteorite map.
And get more meteorite facts, updates, news, and more by checking out our meteorite blog and signing up for our email newsletter:
Last Updated: 12/29/23