Sahara 97122 Meteorite Quick Facts
- Name: Sahara 97122
- Year Discovered: 1997
- Approximate Recovery Location: the Sahara Desert
- Precise Recovery Location:
- Mass: 176 grams
- Classification: EH3
- Discovery Type: Found
- Condition: Valid
More Details About the Sahara 97122 Meteorite
The Sahara 97122 meteorite was discovered in 1997. It was recovered in the Sahara Desert . It has a mass of 176 grams.
Sahara 97122 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.
Sahara 97122’s official classification is EH3. The “EH3” classification refers to an enstatite chondrite from the high-iron EH group, identified as petrologic type 3, known for its small chondrules and a composition rich in silicon-bearing metal. Characterized by a highly reduced mineral assemblage, including unique minerals like niningerite and perryite, these meteorites exhibit abundant chondrules, minimal water alteration, and unequilibrated mineral structures, including distinct low-calcium pyroxene grains.
The Sahara 97122 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: 1/16/24