Northwest Africa 2291 Meteorite Quick Facts
- Name: Northwest Africa 2291
- Year Discovered: 2003
- Approximate Recovery Location: Morocco
- Precise Recovery Location:
- Mass: 300 grams
- Classification: L/LL3
- Discovery Type: Found
- Condition: Valid
More Details About the Northwest Africa 2291 Meteorite
The Northwest Africa 2291 meteorite was discovered in 2003. It was recovered in Morocco . It has a mass of 300 grams.
Northwest Africa 2291 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 2291’s official classification is L/LL3. The classification “L/LL3” refers to a meteorite that can belong to either the L group or LL group of ordinary chondrites and is of petrologic type 3. Ordinary chondrites are known for their high abundance of chondrules and low levels of aqueous alteration. The L group has moderate-sized chondrules, while the LL group has fairly large chondrules and distinct oxygen isotope compositions. Petrologic type 3 indicates that the meteorite has abundant chondrules, minimal aqueous alteration, and certain characteristics in its mineral composition, such as monoclinic low-Ca pyroxene grains with twinning.
The Northwest Africa 2291 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