Meteorite Erg Chech 002 – Algeria
Type: Achondrite
Locality: Algeria
Weight: 2,3g
Dimensions: 24 x 13 x 5 mm
Year found: 2020
Total known weight: 31,78 kg
Surface treatment: cut, polished
Packaging: Transparent plastic box (8,4 x 5,8 x 2,4 cm)
| Category: | Erg Chech 002 |
|---|---|
| By name: | Erg Chech 002 |
| ? Type: | Stony |
| Subspecies: | Achondrite |
| ? Surface treatment: | Cut |
| Packaging: | In box |
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Meteorite Erg Chech 002 – The Oldest Known Volcanic Rock
Erg Chech 002 was discovered in the Erg Chech region in the Sahara Desert, Algeria. The total recovered mass of this meteorite is approximately 31.7 kg. This andesite-classified meteorite originates from chondritic protoplanets that formed about 2 million years after the solar system and are therefore over 4.566 billion years old. This makes Erg Chech 002 the oldest known piece of volcanic rock ever discovered—older than Earth by 23 million years.
Origin
On one of these protoplanets—composed mainly of basalt and andesite—intense volcanic activity occurred. This led to the formation and crystallization of lava that created a volcanic rock layer on the planetary surface. After volcanic activity ceased, part of this layer, including Erg Chech 002, was separated from the parent body and ejected into space. After a long journey, the meteorite entered Earth's atmosphere and landed.
Composition
Erg Chech 002 is characterized by crystals with an unusually high quartz content, which is extremely rare in meteorites. Quartz usually appears only in trace amounts. This meteorite also contains pyroxene crystals, visible in beautiful green and translucent zones, giving it a unique appearance.