Researchers Discover , 2 New Minerals , in Massive Meteorite.<br />CBS reports that a massive meteorite discovered <br />in Somalia was found to contain at least two new <br />minerals that have never before been seen on Earth.<br />Locals had been aware of the "El Ali" <br />meteorite for five to seven generations before <br />officials "discovered" it two years ago.<br />Researchers from the University of Alberta analyzed <br />a 70-gram slice of the 15.2 ton meteorite to find <br />two new minerals: elaliite and elkinstantonite.<br />Researchers from the University of Alberta analyzed <br />a 70-gram slice of the 15.2 ton meteorite to find <br />two new minerals: elaliite and elkinstantonite.<br />The University of Alberta said in a press <br />conference that a possible third new mineral <br />may have also been discovered in the meteorite.<br />The university's Meteor Collection curator, Chris Herd, <br />helped make the discovery along with Andrew Locock, <br />the head of the Electron Microprobe Laboratory.<br />According to Herd, the team , "happened to stumble upon" , the new minerals, calling it a happy accident.<br />We didn't go in looking <br />for new minerals, we just <br />happened to find them, Chris Herd, University of Alberta Professor <br />and Meteor Collection curator, via CBS.<br />CBS reports that research into the new <br />minerals could lead to new applications <br />in scientific fields and more.<br />That's my expertise – how you tease out <br />the geologic processes and the geologic <br />history of the asteroid this rock was once <br />part of. I never thought I'd be involved <br />in describing brand new minerals just <br />by virtue of working on a meteorite, Chris Herd, University of Alberta Professor <br />and Meteor Collection curator, via CBS.<br />According to Herd, it remains unclear if researchers <br />will have the opportunity to obtain more samples as <br />the meteorite may have been moved to China and sold.
