El Médano 121 Meteorite Quick Facts
- Name: El Médano 121
- Year Discovered: 2011
- Approximate Recovery Location: Ruta 1, Taltal, Antofagasta, Chile
- Precise Recovery Location: (-24.85, -70.53333)
- Mass: 333 grams
- Classification: H5
- Discovery Type: Found
- Condition: Valid
More Details About the El Médano 121 Meteorite
The El Médano 121 meteorite was discovered in 2011. It was recovered in Ruta 1, Taltal, Antofagasta, Chile (-24.85, -70.53333). It has a mass of 333 grams.
El Médano 121 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.
El Médano 121’s official classification is H5. The “H5” classification indicates a high-iron ordinary chondrite from the H group, characterized by its relatively small chondrules and siderophile elements, with oxygen isotope ratios nearing Earth’s values. This type 5 meteorite has undergone significant metamorphism, leading to a uniform composition of minerals like olivine and pyroxene, growth of secondary minerals, and less distinct chondrule features.
The El Médano 121 meteorite is a “Found” 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.
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Last Updated: 1/10/24