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Overview: Taoussat-n-Amouzzour 001 (TnA 001)
**Name:** Taoussat-n-Amouzzour 001
**Abbreviation:** TnA 001
**Observed Fall:** No, but possible
**Year Found:** 2022
**Country:** Niger
**Mass:** 22.5 kg
**Coordinates:** 17.27508° N, 8.37378° E
**Location of Find:** Agadez, Niger
Description
The meteorite Taoussat-n-Amouzzour 001 is a strikingly beautiful specimen classified as an ordinary chondrite of the L3 variety. This endcut weighs 18.950 grams and features a flawless polish, showcasing a stunning array of chondrules, and crazy black inclusion. This remarkable piece comes complete with a Certificate of Authenticity (COA) card and a display case for preservation and admiration.
Historical Context
On December 15, 2022, at approximately 7 p.m., residents near wadi Amdriga and the village of Tafragah in Niger witnessed a fireball, which suggested the possible fall of meteorite material. Following this event, shepherds discovered several fresh meteorites, some with partially to fully crusted exteriors, near a dry riverbed west of Massif de Taghouaji. In March 2023, two notable purchases of the meteorite mass were made by Marcin Cimala (5250 g) and Ziyao Wang (1133 g), adding to the understanding of this celestial find.
Classification
Taoussat-n-Amouzzour 001 has been classified as an ordinary chondrite (L3). The L classification indicates that it contains a moderate amount of metal, specifically iron and nickel, along with a diverse range of silicate minerals. The "3" in L3 denotes a particular subtype within the classification.
Understanding L3.2 Chondrites
**What is an L3.2 Chondrite?**
Chondrites are a class of stony meteorites that contain chondrules—small, round particles formed in the early solar system. Among them, L chondrites are characterized by their relatively high metallic content, which includes iron and nickel, along with lighter silicate minerals. The numerical classification system (e.g., L3) provides insights into their evolutionary history.
The designation "3.2" specifically refers to the degree of alteration the meteorite has undergone. L3 chondrites are further subdivided, with "3" indicating minimal thermal metamorphism and limited aqueous alteration. The ".2" suggests that this specimen exhibits characteristics of a particular sub-type in the L3 group, underscoring its unique chemical and physical properties.
**Importance of L3.2 Chondrites**
1. **Understanding Solar System Formation:** L3.2 chondrites provide critical data about the early solar system's composition and the processes that led to planet formation. They preserve primordial materials that can reveal information about the conditions prevalent during the formation of solid matter in the protoplanetary disk.
2. **Chemical Composition:** The olivine (Fa15.4) and pyroxene (Fs11.0) compositions observed in TnA 001 provide insights into the thermal and chemical history of the parent body from which the meteorite originated. This knowledge can help reconstruct the thermal and aqueous processes that affected these bodies.
3. **Magnetic Properties:** The measured magnetic susceptibility (4.65) enhances the understanding of how L3 chondrites interact with magnetic fields and can inform about the past environmental conditions in their formation regions.
4. **Planetary Science and Deformation:** Studying chondrites like TnA 001 can reveal details about the impacts, thermal history, and potential for differentiation in their meteorite parent bodies, which is essential for understanding planetary geology.
In summary, Taoussat-n-Amouzzour 001 (TnA 001), as an L3.2 chondrite, serves as a valuable resource for researchers seeking to decipher the early solar system's history, providing a tangible link to the processes that shaped planetary bodies, including Earth.