Meteorite Catalina 500 – Chile

The Catalina 500 meteorite was found in November 2022 in the Antofagasta region of Chile. The total mass of the Catalina 500 meteorite found is 999 grams and consists of approximately 18% metal (kamacite and taenite) and 78% silicate minerals such as pyroxene and plagioclase. It has a light brown appearance but when cut reveals a dark metal-rich interior. Meteorite also contains other minerals, including chromite, silicon polymorphs and troilite.

Catalina 500 is classified as a mesosiderite, which refers to the structure and percentage of minerals that indicate strong recrystallization and geological alteration. Such mesosiderites likely form at the interface between the asteroid's core and mantle, and are produced by collisional events that release fragments into space before they hit Earth.

The Catalina 500 meteorite shows a moderate degree of weathering, which means that it has been affected by terrestrial conditions but still retains a relatively good structure.