The Algerian meteorite NWA 13441 is recognized as a unique Martian sample
- Meteorite NWA 13441 was found in Algeria in 2019.
- Geochemical analysis confirmed its Martian origin.
- The sample combines properties of several Martian types, possibly a new mantle material.
In the desert regions of Algeria in 2019, a stone meteorite was discovered, which received the international number NWA 13441. Initially, its classification remained uncertain; however, subsequent studies in laboratories in the USA and Europe allowed for the establishment of the Martian nature of the sample.
Chemical composition and unique properties
Geochemists studying the sample found that its mineralogical set combines features of several known groups of Martian meteorites. In particular, the sample contains both basaltic and more primitive magmatic phases enriched with rare earth elements in different proportions. This combination indicates a complex history of rock formation.
The authors of the study suggest that NWA 13441 may represent a previously undescribed type of primitive mantle material characteristic of the interior of Mars. An alternative possibility is a mixture of several magmatic components formed under different conditions and later combined into a single rock.
To confirm the Martian origin, scientists compared the isotopic composition of oxygen as well as the content of light elements with samples obtained from Martian missions. The results showed complete correspondence, which excludes the possibility of terrestrial or lunar origin.
The published results appeared in the scientific journal Geochemistry and Cosmochemistry Acta. The article details the analysis methodology, including mass spectrometry with high-resolution mass spectrometers and scanning electron microscopy.
The discovery is significant for understanding the internal structure of the Red Planet. If NWA 13441 indeed represents a sample of mantle material, it could provide new insights into the differentiation processes and volcanic activity of Mars in the early period of its history.
Moreover, the uniqueness of the sample emphasizes the need for further search and study of Martian meteorites. Each new material expands the database, allowing scientists to refine models of planet formation and their evolution.
Source: N+1
