description Ivuna Overview
Ivuna is a CI1 carbonaceous chondrite that fell near Ivuna, Tanzania, in 1938. CI meteorites are rare, chemically primitive materials whose nonvolatile elemental abundances closely resemble those measured in the Sun, although their minerals have been extensively altered by water on their parent body. Ivuna is therefore studied for evidence about early solar-system chemistry, aqueous alteration, organic matter, and the ingredients available during planet formation.
insights Ranking position
Ivuna ranks #13 of 213 in the Meteorite ranking, behind Allende, ahead of Tissint.
help Ivuna FAQ
Why is the Ivuna meteorite scientifically important?
Ivuna is a CI1 carbonaceous chondrite, one of the rarest and most chemically primitive meteorite classes. Its bulk composition closely reflects nonvolatile elements in the solar system's original material.
Where and when did the Ivuna meteorite fall?
Ivuna fell in what is now Tanzania in 1938. Because the fall was observed and material was recovered, it is less dependent on uncertain discovery histories than many desert finds.
How is Ivuna related to the CI meteorite classification?
The letter I in CI comes from Ivuna, the type specimen associated with the group. Other famous CI chondrites include Orgueil and Alais.
Does Ivuna contain evidence of water?
Its minerals show extensive alteration by liquid water on the meteorite's parent asteroid. This happened before the rock reached Earth and transformed much of its original anhydrous material into hydrated phases.
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