Northwest Africa 1520 Meteorite Quick Facts
- Name: Northwest Africa 1520
- Year Discovered: 2001
- Approximate Recovery Location: Morocco
- Precise Recovery Location:
- Mass: 406 grams
- Classification: L4/5
- Discovery Type: Found
- Condition: Valid
More Details About the Northwest Africa 1520 Meteorite
The Northwest Africa 1520 meteorite was discovered in 2001. It was recovered in Morocco . It has a mass of 406 grams.
Northwest Africa 1520 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.
Northwest Africa 1520’s official classification is L4/5. The classification “L4/5” refers to an ordinary chondrite from the L group, and it can be either petrologic type 4 or type 5. These meteorites are characterized by a high abundance of chondrules, small round mineral grains, and they have experienced different levels of metamorphism. Type 4 meteorites have undergone metamorphism that homogenized certain mineral compositions, while type 5 meteorites have undergone more extensive changes, including the conversion of specific minerals and blurring of chondrule outlines.
The Northwest Africa 1520 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