Northwest Africa 7656 Meteorite Quick Facts
- Name: Northwest Africa 7656
- Year Discovered: 2012
- Approximate Recovery Location: Morocco
- Precise Recovery Location: (0.0, 0.0)
- Mass: 2230 grams
- Classification: L3.3
- Discovery Type: Found
- Condition: Valid
More Details About the Northwest Africa 7656 Meteorite
The Northwest Africa 7656 meteorite was discovered in 2012. It was recovered in Morocco (0.0, 0.0). It has a mass of 2230 grams.
Northwest Africa 7656 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 7656’s official classification is L3.3. The classification “L3.3” refers to an ordinary chondrite from the L group that is of petrologic type 3. Ordinary chondrites are a major class of meteorites known for their abundance of chondrules (small mineral grains) and relatively low levels of aqueous alteration. The L group within this class is characterized by moderate-sized chondrules and specific oxygen isotope compositions, and petrologic type 3 indicates minimal aqueous alteration and distinct mineral features like monoclinic low-Ca pyroxene grains with twinning.
The Northwest Africa 7656 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