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Scientists have discovered a rare mineral in a space rock that is older than planet Earth itself, having wandered the universe for billions of years before hitting the ground.
Among the mineral treasures that Earth holds, some are truly extraordinary, transcending our planet and connecting us to the cosmos. Krotite, a mineral that is older than the Earth itself.
Krotite was formed under extreme conditions billions of years ago, it transports us to the beginnings of Solar system. Discovered in 2011, a Krotite was identified in a meteorite fragment called N.W.A. 1934, found in Africa.
This piece of space rock drifted through the universe for billions of years before falling to Earth. It formed at temperatures above 1.500 degrees Celsius in low-pressure environments — conditions that are impossible to replicate naturally on our planet today.
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An ancient and mysterious mineral
Krotita was born in the protoplanetary disk that surrounded the young Sun 4,6 billion years ago. This environment, full of dust and gases at high temperatures, was the birthplace of several celestial bodies, including planets.
Its composition, a combination of calcium, aluminum and oxygen, reflects the violent and intense conditions of that period.
Meteorites like NWA 1934 act as time capsules, preserving minerals in their original state. Unlike terrestrial rocks, which are constantly reshaped by the activity tectonics and erosion, these spatial fragments offer an unblemished view of the past.
Analyzing krotite allows scientists to explore the processes that shaped our Solar System, from the formation of planets to the emergence of complex chemical elements.
Cosmic concrete
Interestingly, humans have already created something similar to krotite. Certain types of concrete, specifically calcium aluminate cement, have a similar chemical composition. However, there is one crucial difference: while krotite exhibits a specific crystalline arrangement, man-made materials have distinct atomic structures, a result of their formation conditions.
Another mineral found exclusively in meteorites, dmitryivanovite, shares chemical similarities with krotite. Both are named after renowned scientists. Krotite was named after Alexander N. Krot, a cosmochemist who made significant contributions to the study of the early Solar System, while dmitryivanovite is named after Dmitriy A. Ivanov, a prominent geologist.
A window into the cosmic past
The composition and structure of krotite reveal fascinating clues about the early Solar System. Research suggests that minerals like it formed through condensation and crystallization processes in the hot, gaseous environment of the solar nebula. These processes involve the formation of different minerals around the initial cores, followed by partial melting events and complex chemical reactions.
Studying krotite is like leafing through the pages of a cosmic book. Each mineral detail offers insights into the conditions that led to the origin of planets, moons, and other celestial bodies. For example, the calcium-aluminum-rich inclusions (CAIs) of which krotite is a part help us understand how primordial material is specified to form planetary building blocks.
Geology above our heads
The discovery of krotite also reinforces an often-overlooked truth: geology extends beyond Earth. It permeates the universe, connecting us to events and processes that occurred billions of years before our planet even existed. The analysis of extraterrestrial minerals expands our understanding of the cosmos and challenges our perceptions of time, space and evolution.
Even though it is a tiny, unassuming fragment, krotite carries significant weight. It is a tangible reminder of the vast scales of time and the awesome forces that shape the universe. More than just a mineral, it is a key piece in the cosmic puzzle that helps us unravel our own origins.
The next time we look up at the sky, we can remember: among the stars, there are stories etched in minerals like krotite, waiting to be discovered. After all, geology isn’t just beneath our feet—it’s also above our heads, in lost fragments of the cosmos.
