El Menia 001 - L5 Ordinary Chondrite

El Menia is a recent witnessed L5 Ordinary Chondrite fall from Ghardaia Province, Algeria, which fell on 11 March 2023. A fireball was seen and heard over the region, followed by the recovery of more than one hundred stones and fragments from the Hassi Walen area southwest of El Menia. With an estimated total known weight of around 75 kg, it is one of the more significant recent North African witnessed falls.

Specimens of El Menia often show fresh black fusion crust, with some stones displaying a distinctive bluish tint. Interiors typically reveal the compact texture of an L5 Ordinary Chondrite, with subdued chondrules, scattered metal grains, and evidence of thermal metamorphism on the parent asteroid. Recovered pieces range from sub-gram fragments to stones over 1 kg, giving collectors a range of specimen types, from crusted individuals to cut pieces.

For collectors, El Menia offers a strong combination of recent witnessed fall provenance, fresh preservation, and recognised classification. Its documented fireball, recovery location, and attractive fusion crust make it especially appealing for collections focused on modern falls, North African meteorites, or classic Ordinary Chondrites. Each specimen represents ancient asteroid material connected to a clearly recorded event in 2023.