Motta di Conti Meteorite Quick Facts
- Name: Motta di Conti
- Year Discovered: 1868
- Approximate Recovery Location: Caresana, Vercelli, Piedmont, Italy
- Precise Recovery Location: (45.2, 8.5)
- Mass: 9150 grams
- Classification: H4
- Discovery Type: fall
- Condition: Valid
More Details About the Motta di Conti Meteorite
The Motta di Conti meteorite was discovered in 1868. It was recovered in Caresana, Vercelli, Piedmont, Italy (45.2, 8.5). It has a mass of 9150 grams.
Motta di Conti 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.
Motta di Conti’s official classification is H4. The classification “H4” refers to a type of ordinary chondrite meteorite from the H group that is at petrologic type 4. These meteorites are characterized by having a significant number of chondrules and have undergone metamorphism that changed the composition of minerals like olivine and pyroxene while lacking primary igneous chondrule glass. This classification helps scientists study the history and properties of meteorites, shedding light on the early solar system.
The Motta di Conti meteorite is a “fall” 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: 12/29/23