Previously unknown minerals found in a huge meteorite from Somalia

Scientists from the Canadian University of Alberta reported that they found at least two minerals that were not previously found on Earth in a 15-ton meteorite from Somalia. They were identified in the analysis of one small 70-gram sample.

The new minerals were named elaliite and elkinstantonite. The first got its name from the meteorite itself, known as "El Ali" - it was found near the city of El Ali in the Somali province of Hiran.

The second mineral is named after planetary scientist Lindy Elkins-Tanton, who is leading the research portion of NASA's upcoming mission to study the metal-rich asteroid Psyche.

Chris Hurd, head of the research team, noted that further study of the sample may reveal a third mineral, but this requires additional analysis and more time.

Scientists believe that El-Ali could give science many other discoveries, but now its fate is rather vague. According to some reports, the meteorite was transported to China in search of a potential buyer. Whether it will be available for further open study by scientists is a big question.

El Ali was discovered two years ago. But if you believe the inhabitants of the city of El Ali, then the stone has been on Earth for a very long time. He appears in the folklore of the local Saar people called "Twilight", which probably indicates that his fall was a high-profile event. The meteorite has been celebrated in song, poetry and dance for at least five generations and has been used to sharpen knives. It is almost 90% iron and nickel and is one of the largest meteorites ever found.