Chassigny, Martian meteorite in Chassigny, France
The Chassigny meteorite is a rock fragment from Mars composed of olivine, pyroxene, feldspar, and oxide minerals arranged in a crystalline structure. The specimen displays the characteristic mineral composition found in Martian mantle material.
The meteorite fell from the sky in 1815 in northeastern France and was the first rock of its kind discovered to have come from another planet. Its discovery prompted a shift in scientific understanding about the origins of meteorites.
The specimen established a new classification of Martian meteorites, becoming the reference for all subsequently discovered chassignites in scientific research.
The meteorite specimen can be viewed today in French museums or scientific collections where it is examined under various lighting and magnification. Visitors should seek out specialized exhibitions or research institutions for the best opportunity to observe it in proper context.
The specimen contains noble gases with a composition different from the current Martian atmosphere, indicating it formed during Mars' earliest history long ago. These gaseous differences allow researchers to trace changes in the planet's composition over billions of years.
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