Blog 2 – Article #4 (Pettit)

Blog 2 – Article #4

            During the Antarctic Search for Meteorites in 2006-2007, two meteorites were found that vary from all others collected.  The meteorites have a composition that is very similar to that of the Earth’s crust, yet their oxygen isotopes indicate they belong to the asteroid 4 Vesta and they are dated 4.5 billion years old, ruling out the possibility of them belonging to a planet.  What is most astonishing about these meteorites is that they contain some rare, precious metals, including osmium.  Also, several of the minerals found in the mineral are thought to need “large-scale processes such as plate tectonics to concentrate the right chemical ingredients” to develop (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090107134526.htm).  Scientists explain these processes through the belief that the meteorite originally had a diameter of 100 km, and melted just enough for the rock to partially melt.  In conclusion, GRA 06128 and GRA 06129 are two unique meteorites found in the 2006-2007 Antarctic Search for Meteorites, and these meteorites contained rare metals such as osmium as well as Andesite, a mineral that is common and indigenous to Earth.

From http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090107134526.htm