Chondrite Meteorite - Mont Tourniat 002 For Sale

Mont Tourniat 002 (MtT 002) is a rare Rumuruti chondrite (R3) meteorite discovered in Tiris Zemmour, Mauritania, in November 2022. Classified as an R3 type, this meteorite is part of the Rumurutiite group, which is distinguished by its unique chemical composition and mineralogy, setting it apart from the more common ordinary chondrites. Rumuruti chondrites are known for their high levels of oxidized minerals and are relatively rare in meteorite collections, making MtT 002 an exciting find for both collectors and researchers.

A total of 10 pieces of MtT 002 were uncovered by meteorite hunter Salamu Lahsen, with a combined weight of 1012 grams. The main mass, the largest fragment, weighs 331 grams and likely contains some of the most intact structural and mineralogical features of the meteorite. These fragments reveal a unique, brecciated structure, showcasing a variety of chondrules—small, spherical grains formed by rapid cooling—embedded in a fine-grained matrix. This composition suggests a history of complex thermal and impact processes within the parent asteroid body from which the meteorite originated.

What Is A R3 Chondrite?

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Chondrite Meteorites

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What Is A R3 Chondrite?

An R3 chondrite meteorite is a rare type of stony chondrite meteorite. The "R" stands for "Rumuruti," named after the town in Kenya where the first meteorite of this group was discovered. The "3" designation refers to its petrologic type, indicating a primitive, unaltered composition with minimal thermal metamorphism, meaning it has preserved many original features from its formation in the early solar system.

Here are some key characteristics of R3 chondrites:

High Oxidation Levels: R chondrites are distinguished by a high degree of oxidation, meaning they contain a large amount of oxidized iron rather than metallic iron. This makes them distinct from most other chondrite groups, which typically have lower oxidation levels.

Mineral Composition: R3 chondrites are rich in olivine and pyroxene minerals, along with phyllosilicates and other hydrous minerals that may indicate the presence of water or water-bearing minerals. Their mineralogy suggests that they formed under unique conditions within the asteroid belt, possibly in an environment where oxidizing processes were more prominent.

Chondrules: Like other chondrites, R3 chondrites contain chondrules—small, spherical inclusions made of silicate minerals that formed as molten droplets early in the solar system's history. The "3" petrologic type signifies that these chondrules remain largely unaltered by thermal metamorphism, preserving early solar system information.

Low Metal Content: Due to their oxidized nature, R3 chondrites have little to no free metallic iron-nickel, unlike other chondrite types. Instead, the iron is primarily bound in silicates and oxides, giving these meteorites a unique chemical profile that scientists use to study the oxidation conditions in the early solar system.

Rarity: R-Type Chondrites are quite rare, representing only about 1% of all classified meteorites.