Northwest Africa 4961 Meteorite Quick Facts
- Name: Northwest Africa 4961
- Year Discovered: 2004
- Approximate Recovery Location: Morocco
- Precise Recovery Location:
- Mass: 23 grams
- Classification: L3-5
- Discovery Type: Found
- Condition: Valid
More Details About the Northwest Africa 4961 Meteorite
The Northwest Africa 4961 meteorite was discovered in 2004. It was recovered in Morocco . It has a mass of 23 grams.
Northwest Africa 4961 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 4961’s official classification is L3-5. Meteorites classified as “L3-5” are ordinary chondrites from the L group that are breccias composed of components ranging from petrologic type 3 to type 5. Type 3 chondrites are characterized by abundant chondrules and minimal aqueous alteration, while type 5 chondrites have undergone metamorphism that has altered the mineral composition and blurred the chondrule outlines. These brecciated meteorites contain a mix of these petrologic types, making them a combination of type 3 and type 5 materials.
The Northwest Africa 4961 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