Researchers have identified two new minerals, elaliite and elkinstantonite, within a 15-ton meteorite discovered in Somalia. These iron-phosphorus-oxygen compounds were previously known only from synthetic laboratory experiments. The discovery provides critical data on the chemical environments of asteroids and the formation of planetary cores.
TLDR: Scientists analyzing the 15-ton El Ali meteorite from Somalia have discovered two minerals never before seen in nature: elaliite and elkinstantonite. These phosphate-based minerals offer a rare glimpse into the unique geological processes of asteroids. The find underscores the potential for meteorites to reveal novel materials with unique chemical properties.
In the arid landscape near the town of El Ali in central Somalia, a massive 15-ton iron-nickel object had long been known to local pastoralists as “Nightfall.” While the rock had been featured in regional folklore for generations, it only recently caught the attention of the international scientific community. A field expedition and subsequent laboratory analysis have now confirmed that this meteorite contains at least two minerals never before documented in nature. These findings represent a significant milestone in materials science and planetary geology, offering new insights into the chemical processes that occur during the formation of celestial bodies.
The meteorite, now officially named El Ali, is the ninth-largest ever found on Earth. When researchers from the University of Alberta received a small 70-gram slice for classification, they noticed unusual crystalline structures that did not match any known terrestrial or extraterrestrial minerals. The University of Alberta’s Electron Microprobe Laboratory played a central role in the identification. By bombarding the sample with a focused beam of electrons, researchers measured the X-rays emitted to determine the precise elemental ratios. This allowed for a mapping of the iron, phosphorus, and oxygen concentrations within the crystalline inclusions.
The first new mineral was named elaliite, after the location of the find, and the second was named elkinstantonite, in honor of Lindy Elkins-Tanton, the principal investigator of NASA’s Psyche mission. Both elaliite and elkinstantonite are phosphates, specifically iron-phosphorus-oxygen compounds. While these specific chemical arrangements had been synthesized in laboratories during the 1980s, they had never been observed occurring naturally. The presence of these minerals in the El Ali meteorite suggests that the cooling and crystallization processes within the parent asteroid were unique, involving specific thermal histories that allowed these phases to stabilize.
The meteorite itself belongs to the IAB complex, a group of iron meteorites that often contain silicate inclusions. This specific classification suggests that the El Ali meteorite originated from an asteroid that underwent partial melting. Such a process allows for the segregation of metallic and stony components, creating a complex chemical environment where rare minerals can precipitate. Because the laboratory-synthesized versions of these minerals already existed, the researchers were able to confirm the identity of the natural versions by matching their crystal structures and compositions to the known synthetic analogs.
Beyond their geological significance, these minerals may have implications for future material development. Understanding how these phosphates form and stabilize could lead to the creation of new synthetic materials with specific magnetic or structural properties. The El Ali meteorite serves as a reminder that the solar system contains a vast array of chemical combinations that have yet to be fully explored. Each new mineral discovery expands the catalog of natural occurrences and challenges existing models of planetary evolution. Materials scientists are particularly interested in these minerals because they provide a natural laboratory for understanding how iron and phosphorus interact under extreme conditions of space.
Current efforts are focused on analyzing a third potential new mineral within the same sample. However, the future of the El Ali meteorite itself remains uncertain. Reports indicate that the main mass was moved to Mogadishu and subsequently exported, which may limit further large-scale sampling. Scientists emphasize the importance of preserving such specimens for continued study, as they contain irreplaceable data about the origins of our solar system. The next phase of research will involve high-resolution imaging to determine the exact crystal structure of the third mineral and its relationship to the surrounding iron-nickel matrix, potentially revealing even more about the violent history of the early solar system.
Mason Reed serves as a Staff Writer for Just Right News, where he spearheads the Future Frontiers & Special Projects desk. In an era defined by rapid technological shifts and evolving social landscapes, Mason provides a steady, principled voice, examining the innovations of tomorrow through the lens of traditional American values. His work is most prominently featured in his signature series, “The Next Horizon,” where he explores the intersection of emerging technology, national sovereignty, and the preservation of individual liberty.
A native of San Diego, California, Mason’s worldview was shaped by the unique culture of his hometown. Growing up in a region defined by its strong military presence and its history of maritime industry, he developed a deep-seated respect for the institutions that provide national stability and the entrepreneurial spirit that drives the American economy. This upbringing instilled in him a belief that true progress is not found in discarding the past, but in building upon a foundation of proven principles. His reporting often reflects this San Diego influence, emphasizing the importance of a robust national defense and the necessity of maintaining a competitive edge in the global marketplace.
Now based in San Francisco, Mason operates from the heart of the world’s technological engine. Living and working in the Bay Area provides him with a front-row seat to the advancements—and the ideological challenges—emanating from Silicon Valley. While many in the region embrace a “move fast and break things” mentality, Mason’s reporting serves as a vital counterweight. He offers Just Right News readers a “boots on the ground” perspective, documenting how radical local policies and the concentration of tech power impact the everyday lives of citizens. His proximity to the industry allows him to cut through the marketing jargon of big tech to uncover the real-world implications for privacy, free speech, and the nuclear family.
In his “Future Frontiers” beat, Mason tackles complex subjects ranging from the ethics of artificial intelligence to the burgeoning private space race. He approaches these topics with a healthy skepticism toward centralized bureaucracy, championing instead the decentralized innovations that empower individuals. Through “The Next Horizon,” he highlights the pioneers and thinkers who are working to ensure that the future remains a place where human dignity and constitutional rights are protected. He believes that the rapid pace of change requires more than just technical expertise; it requires a moral compass rooted in the Western tradition.
Throughout his tenure at Just Right News, Mason has remained committed to the idea that the future is something to be shaped, not merely accepted. His writing is characterized by a rigorous defense of American exceptionalism and a belief that the country’s best days lie ahead, provided it remains true to its founding ideals. Whether he is investigating the impact of automation on the American workforce or profiling the next generation of aerospace engineers, Mason Reed ensures that his readers are equipped with the insights they need to navigate a changing world with confidence and clarity.