Meteorite Erg Chech 003 – 0,5g – Algeria
Type: stony meteorite / carbonaceous chondrite CR2
Locality: Algeria
Weight: 0,5g
Dimensions: 16 x 11 x 1 mm
Year fell: 2021
Total known weight: 1100 g
Surface treatment: Cut slice
| Category: | Erg Chech 003 |
|---|---|
| By name: | Erg Chech 003 |
| ? Type: | Stony |
| Subspecies: | Chondrite |
| ? Surface treatment: | Cut |
| Packaging: | None |
Erg Chech 003 – Carbonaceous Chondrite CR2 from Algeria
Erg Chech 003 is a rare carbonaceous chondrite of type CR2, discovered in 2021 in the Erg Chech desert region of Adrar in southwestern Algeria. This meteorite was identified based on nine fragments with a total weight of approximately 1100 grams. The surface of the fragments showed a dark fusion crust, while fresh cuts revealed a distinctive internal structure with prominent, color-contrasting chondrules embedded in a fine-grained, dark, and partially hydrated matrix.
Composition
CR2 chondrites are a rare subgroup of stony meteorites. They contain large amounts of chondrules (spherical silicate bodies), metallic grains, fine matrix, and often presolar minerals. Erg Chech 003 is characterized by a high content of olivine and pyroxene in the chondrules and a relatively low degree of thermal alteration – suggesting that the parent body was never significantly melted.


