Monturaqui Meteorite Quick Facts
- Name: Monturaqui
- Year Discovered: 1965
- Approximate Recovery Location: Antofagasta Chile
- Precise Recovery Location: (-23.93333, -68.28333)
- Mass: 2000 grams
- Classification: Iron, IAB?
- Discovery Type: Found
- Condition: Valid
More Details About the Monturaqui Meteorite
The Monturaqui meteorite was discovered in 1965. It was recovered in Antofagasta Chile (-23.93333, -68.28333). It has a mass of 2000 grams.
Monturaqui 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.
Monturaqui’s official classification is Iron, IAB?. The classification “Iron, IAB?” is used for a type of meteorite predominantly made of iron and nickel, which crystallized from a molten state and is possibly part of the IAB complex. The IAB complex is a broad category that encompasses a variety of iron meteorites, including the original IAB and IIICD groups, as well as newly defined subgroups and some unclassified meteorites.
The Monturaqui 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: 1/15/24