Northwest Africa 6861 Meteorite Quick Facts
- Name: Northwest Africa 6861
- Year Discovered: 2011
- Approximate Recovery Location: Morocco
- Precise Recovery Location: (0.0, 0.0)
- Mass: 10.3 grams
- Classification: CM2
- Discovery Type: Found
- Condition: Valid
More Details About the Northwest Africa 6861 Meteorite
The Northwest Africa 6861 meteorite was discovered in 2011. It was recovered in Morocco (0.0, 0.0). It has a mass of 10.3 grams.
Northwest Africa 6861 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 6861’s official classification is CM2. The “CM2” classification applies to a carbonaceous chondrite from the CM group, specifically of petrologic type 2, known for its small chondrules, significant fine-grained matrix, and plentiful hydrated minerals. This type of meteorite is defined by its high content of water-related minerals, the presence of nickel-bearing sulfides, and a considerable amount of small, round particles within its structure.
The Northwest Africa 6861 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.
Do you have information about the Northwest Africa 6861 meteorite? Share it with us.
Learn More About Meteorites
Discover more meteorites with our interactive meteorite map.
And get more meteorite facts, updates, news, and more by checking out our meteorite blog and signing up for our email newsletter:
Last Updated: 1/15/24