Proof Of Meteorites Containing Foreign Minerals Emerge In Somalia

Space is full of rocks (meteoroids) that may occasionally enter the atmosphere. The foreign objects may burn up to obliteration, and the remainder that ends up hitting the earth’s surface are called meteorites. Scientists study meteorites to understand the universe’s chemical composition.

A meteorite landed in Somalia back in 2020 and has helped scientists reveal things about the existence of more minerals than we know. The scientists explored the meteorite and found two minerals currently unavailable on our planet after the meteorite landed near El Ali.

A piece of 2.5 ounces was sent to the University of Alberta for analysis by professor Chris Herd. The scientist deciphered the rock’s composition and reported that finding a new mineral reflects the availability of new geological conditions and rock chemistry.

He also declared the availability of two new minerals within the rock and the possibility of other alien minerals beyond the earth’s atmosphere.

Herd categorized the meteorite as an Iron IAB complex similar to other 350 discovered before. Andrew Locock aided him in the research. The new compounds were named elkinstatonite and elaliite in honor of Lindy Elkins-Tanton and the town closer to the crash, respectively.

Herd believes naming the mineral after Lindy was a good gesture to honor her work on earth’s core formation.

Understanding more about the rock may be tricky after its shipment to China to a private buyer. The study may also interest material scientists upon discovering new materials that could be used in society. Understanding more about the rock, its composition, and its origin may solve various problems on planet earth.