.31" Abadla 002 CM2 Chondrite Meteorite (0.22 g) - Algeria

The Abadla 002 meteorite spans between several individual pieces, found in Algeria in the first half of December 2021. It is a CM2 carbonaceous chondrite with a dark, thick fusion crust and rather sparse chondrules set in a gray matrix, which is what about half of the specimens consist of. About 800 total grams are known.

About CM2 Carbonaceous Chondrites

Carbonaceous chondrites are a rare and scientifically significant type of stony meteorite, representing only about 4% of all meteorites found on Earth. These meteorites are considered to be some of the oldest materials in the solar system, dating back over 4.5 billion years. They are composed primarily of silicate minerals but are unique for their high levels of carbon, organic compounds, and water-bearing minerals, offering a glimpse into the conditions of the early solar system.

Theys are divided into several groups, including CI, CM, CR, CO, CV, and CK, each representing different compositions and histories. CI and CM chondrites are the most primitive and are often rich in organic compounds. CI chondrites, like the Orgueil meteorite, are extremely rare and contain the highest known concentrations of organic materials among meteorites.

A CM2 chondrite is a type of carbonaceous chondrite meteorite with a high abundance of carbon and water-bearing minerals. The “CM” classification stands for the "Mighei-type," named after a meteorite that fell in Mighei, Ukraine. The "2" in CM2 indicates a specific petrologic (textural) type, meaning it has experienced low levels of alteration from water or heat compared to other chondrites, preserving more primitive materials.