Meteorite Catalina 500 – 1,5g – Chile

Catalina 500 – mesosiderite from Chile

The Catalina 500 meteorite was found in November 2022 in the Antofagasta region of Chile. The total recovered mass of Catalina 500 is 999 grams, consisting of approximately 18% metal (kamacite and taenite) and 78% silicate minerals such as pyroxene and plagioclase. It has a light brown exterior, but when cut, it reveals a dark metal-rich interior. The meteorite also contains other minerals, including chromite, silicon polymorphs, and troilite.

Catalina 500 is classified as a mesosiderite-B3, referring to its structure and mineral proportions, which indicate strong recrystallization and geological changes. Such mesosiderites likely formed at the core–mantle boundary of an asteroid and were produced during collision events that released fragments into space before they eventually fell to Earth.

The Catalina 500 meteorite shows a medium degree of weathering, meaning it was affected by terrestrial conditions but still preserves relatively good structural integrity.