Northeast Africa 051

Iron meteorite (IIIAB)
Found in Libya, 2023

NEA 051 was purchased from a resident in Tindouf, Algeria in May of 2023, but is was reportedly found earlier on the border between Libya and Chad. Some meteorite dealers and collectors might know the meteorite as “Chad.”

Northeast Africa comprises those countries of Africa located in and around the Red Sea. This area is culturally diverse and many fossils have been found here, in addition to meteorites. Artifacts from early hominids have also been recovered in this area. Northeast Africa was located along important trade routes that connected multiple continents.

Iron meteorites are composed primarily of an iron-nickel alloy. This alloy contains two mineral phases, kamacite and taenite. Iron meteorites are broken down into different chemical classifications. These classifications depend on the nickel content of the meteorite, against other trace elements. The IIIAB meteorites are callled “medium octahedrites,” and contain approximately 7.1-10.5% nickel.

Scientists also look at the interior of iron meteorites to determine their classification. NEA 051, for example, has a well-defined Widmanstätten pattern consistent with other medium octahedrites.

A fascinating iron from a culturally significant part of the world!