DaG 005

CO3.1
(classification reference)

Found 1995
27° 09.39′ N., 15° 57.15′ E. Many separate fragments of this previously rare carbonaceous chondriteCarbonaceous chondrites represent the most primitive rock samples of our solar system. This rare (less than 5% of all meteorite falls) class of meteorites are a time capsule from the earliest days in the formation of our solar system. They are divided into the following compositional groups that, other than Click on Term to Read More group have been found on the 4,000 km² Dar al Gani plateau in the Libyan Sahara Desert. The individual mass that is numbered 749, comprising 2,100 fragments and weighing a total of 95 kg, represents the main impactor of this shower. Accordingly, it is located at the farthest end of the extensive strewnfield. The first mass that was classified, the 1,932 g DaG 005 fragment, became the namesake for the 60 likely paired finds. The weight and coordinates of each of the paired masses, weighing together 180.5 kg, have been accurately recorded. This work has provided the means to accurately map the dispersion ellipse of this rare meteoriteWork in progress. A solid natural object reaching a planet’s surface from interplanetary space. Solid portion of a meteoroid that survives its fall to Earth, or some other body. Meteorites are classified as stony meteorites, iron meteorites, and stony-iron meteorites. These groups are further divided according to their mineralogy and Click on Term to Read More. Its very long and narrow shape has dimensions of approximately 42 km by 3 km. Petrographic and geochemical details about the CO group can be found on the Colony and Isna pages.

As is typical of the CO group, there is a high densityMass of an object divided by its volume. Density is a characteristic property of a substance (rock vs. ice, e.g.). Some substances (like gases) are easily compressible and have different densities depending on how much pressure is exerted upon them. The Sun is composed of compressible gases and is much Click on Term to Read More of very small chondrulesRoughly spherical aggregate of coarse crystals formed from the rapid cooling and solidification of a melt at  ~1400 ° C. Large numbers of chondrules are found in all chondrites except for the CI group of carbonaceous chondrites. Chondrules are typically 0.5-2 mm in diameter and are usually composed of olivine Click on Term to Read More compared to matrixFine grained primary and silicate-rich material in chondrites that surrounds chondrules, refractory inclusions (like CAIs), breccia clasts and other constituents. Click on Term to Read More. Comparisons among chondrules of different chondriteChondrites are the most common meteorites accounting for ~84% of falls. Chondrites are comprised mostly of Fe- and Mg-bearing silicate minerals (found in both chondrules and fine grained matrix), reduced Fe/Ni metal (found in various states like large blebs, small grains and/or even chondrule rims), and various refractory inclusions (such Click on Term to Read More groups led Rubin (2010) to conclude that CO, CM, and E chondritesChondrites are the most common meteorites accounting for ~84% of falls. Chondrites are comprised mostly of Fe- and Mg-bearing silicate minerals (found in both chondrules and fine grained matrix), reduced Fe/Ni metal (found in various states like large blebs, small grains and/or even chondrule rims), and various refractory inclusions (such Click on Term to Read More formed in a less dusty nebular region than that of OC chondrites. In turn, the OC chondrite formation region was less dusty than that of R chondrites; R chondrites and OC chondrites are considered to constitute a superclan. The nebular formation region of CV, CK, and CR chondrites was more dusty than that of all other chondrites.

Dar al Gani 005 has a shock stageA petrographic assessment, using features observed in minerals grains, of the degree to which a meteorite has undergone shock metamorphism. The highest stage observed in 25% of the indicator grains is used to determine the stage. Also called "shock level".               Click on Term to Read More of S2 and a weathering grade of W2. The photo above shows a 26.5 g partial end-section. The photo below shows the dark brown desert varnish on this specimen, evidence of its long residence in the arid Saharan Desert.