Oro Grande Meteorite Quick Facts
- Name: Oro Grande
- Year Discovered: 1971
- Approximate Recovery Location: 9PCR+MM Orogrande, NM, USA
- Precise Recovery Location: (32.37167, -106.25833)
- Mass: 513 grams
- Classification: H5
- Discovery Type: Found
- Condition: Valid
More Details About the Oro Grande Meteorite
The Oro Grande meteorite was discovered in 1971. It was recovered in 9PCR+MM Orogrande, NM, USA (32.37167, -106.25833). It has a mass of 513 grams.
Oro Grande 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.
Oro Grande’s official classification is H5. The “H5” classification indicates a high-iron ordinary chondrite from the H group, characterized by its relatively small chondrules and siderophile elements, with oxygen isotope ratios nearing Earth’s values. This type 5 meteorite has undergone significant metamorphism, leading to a uniform composition of minerals like olivine and pyroxene, growth of secondary minerals, and less distinct chondrule features.
The Oro Grande 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