Meteorites, space Comic image, classified as Al Haggounia 001 , EL3

 classified  as Al Haggounia 001 , EL3

Its soft bitter gold that breaks apart in your hand  if you wash it . 

Gold

(terrestrial) is alien 

Image  from Nicole Smith 

 The image appears to show a piece of the Al Haggounia 001 meteorite, a notable and extensively studied meteorite. 

Key information about Al Haggounia 001:

Classification:

Initially classified as an Aubrite, it is now more widely accepted as an ancient EL3 Enstatite chondrite that has undergone significant terrestrial processing. 

Discovery:

Found in 2006 in the Western Sahara, specifically within sedimentary rocks like conglomerates. 

Unique Features:

It is known for its low abundance of sulfides, the presence of vesicles, and the incorporation of terrestrial clasts due to extensive weathering and secondary terrestrial processing. 

Impact Melting & Weathering:

The meteorite shows numerous shock effects from impact melting, and its composition has been altered by both impact melting and terrestrial weathering, leading to changes in elements like iron, nickel, and rare earth elements. 

Age:

Thought to have landed on Earth near the end of the Pleistocene epoch, over 20,000 years ago, making it a "paleo meteorite". 

AI Overview

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Al Haggounia 001 is a meteorite, specifically classified as an anomalous EL3 enstatite chondrite impact melt rock. It was initially misclassified as an aubrite due to its weathering and limited initial sample study. However, further analysis revealed it to be a unique type of enstatite chondrite, a group of meteorites known for their highly reduced nature. 

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

Initial Classification:

Al Haggounia 001 was initially classified as an aubrite, a type of achondrite meteorite, due to its appearance and limited initial sample study. 

Revised Classification:

Later studies, particularly by Rubin (2016), reclassified it as an EL3 enstatite chondrite impact melt rock, and specifically as an anomalous EL3 due to its unique characteristics. 

Key Features:

The meteorite is characterized by a tan matrix of enstatite crystals, occasional chondrules, and xenolithic (terrestrial) clasts incorporated due to extensive weathering, leading some to call it a "fossil meteorite". 

Impact Melt Rock:

The "impact melt rock" designation means it was subjected to significant heat and pressure from an impact event, likely on its parent body. 

Enstatite Chondrite:

Enstatite chondrites are a group of meteorites known for their high abundance of the mineral enstatite and a highly reduced chemical environment. 

Anomalous Nature:

Al Haggounia 001 is considered anomalous because it exhibits characteristics that distinguish it from typical EL3 enstatite chondrites.