A 15.2 metric tonne meteorite contains two minerals that have never before been observed on Earth, according to scientists (33,510 pounds).

A 15.2 metric tonne meteorite contains two minerals that have never before been observed on Earth, according to scientists (33,510 pounds).

The pieces, which were taken from a meteorite fragment recovered in Somalia in 2020, are estimated to be the ninth-largest meteorite ever discovered and weigh 70 grammes (almost 2.5 ounces).

The pieces, which were taken from a meteorite fragment recovered in Somalia in 2020, are estimated to be the ninth-largest meteorite ever discovered and weigh 70 grammes (almost 2.5 ounces).

Samples of the space rock were sent to Chris Herd, curator of the university's meteorite collection, for classification.

Samples of the space rock were sent to Chris Herd, curator of the university's meteorite collection, for classification.

As he was looking at it, he noticed something strange: some of the sample's components weren't visible under a microscope.

As he was looking at it, he noticed something strange: some of the sample's components weren't visible under a microscope.

Then, because Andrew Locock, director of the university's electron microscope laboratory, has experience describing new minerals, he turned to him for help.

Then, because Andrew Locock, director of the university's electron microscope laboratory, has experience describing new minerals, he turned to him for help.

The first day he did some studies, "he indicated you've got at least two new minerals in there," said Herd, a professor in the university's department of Earth and atmospheric sciences.

The first day he did some studies, "he indicated you've got at least two new minerals in there," said Herd, a professor in the university's department of Earth and atmospheric sciences.

"That was incredible. To declare the existence of a new mineral typically requires much more investigation.

"That was incredible. To declare the existence of a new mineral typically requires much more investigation.

Elaliite is a mineral named after the space object known as the "El Ali" meteorite, which was discovered close to the town of El Ali in central Somalia.

Elaliite is a mineral named after the space object known as the "El Ali" meteorite, which was discovered close to the town of El Ali in central Somalia.

Elaliite is a mineral named after the space object known as the "El Ali" meteorite, which was discovered close to the town of El Ali in central Somalia.

Elaliite is a mineral named after the space object known as the "El Ali" meteorite, which was discovered close to the town of El Ali in central Somalia.