Grapevine Mesa

Carbonaceous chondrite, CBa
Found Mohave County, Arizona, United States on February 6, 2021

Grapevine Mesa is home to the Grapevine Mesa Joshua Tree forest in Mohave County, Arizona. The natural landmark consists of 3,206 acres and countless mysterious Joshua trees, also called “desert daggers.” The name “Joshua tree” apparently comes from Mormon settlers who crossed the Mojave in the mid-19th century—the trees, used as guides to traverse the desert, reminded settlers the biblical story of Joshua and the Israelites’ conquest of Canaan.

The Grapevine Mesa meteorite is classified as a carbonaceous chondrite of the CB group, described as Bencubbin-like chondrites distinguished by objects that appear similar to chondrules and abundant metal. The space rocks were discovered on February 6, 2021 by metal detectorists who had originally set out looking for gold. The stones are fusion-crusted and appear oxidized, owing to their iron-rich composition. Cba meteorites are incredibly rare, and its serendipitous arrival on the meteorite market was met with great intrigue and excitement.