Erg Chech 002 - Ungrouped Achondrite

Erg Chech 002, often shortened to EC 002, is an exceptionally important Ungrouped Achondrite found in the Erg Chech region of Algeria in 2020. It is widely recognised as an Andesitic Achondrite and one of the oldest known volcanic rocks from the solar system, with formation ages around 4.565 to 4.566 billion years. Unlike most Achondrites, it does not fit into established meteorite groups, and is thought to represent crustal material from an early differentiated protoplanet that no longer survives as a recognised parent body. The Meteoritical Bulletin records Erg Chech 002 as an approved Ungrouped Achondrite from Algeria.

Erg Chech 002 is visually distinctive, often showing a pale to tan groundmass with greenish pyroxene crystals and a coarse igneous texture. Its mineralogy includes pyroxene, sodic plagioclase, chromite, ilmenite, troilite, silica polymorphs, merrillite, and rare metal-bearing phases. This composition sets it apart from more familiar Achondrites and reflects a complex volcanic history very early in solar system development.

Studying Erg Chech 002 provides valuable insight into the formation of the earliest planetary crusts and the volcanic evolution of ancient protoplanets. Its unusual Andesitic composition suggests that early differentiated bodies may have produced more diverse crustal materials than the meteorite record usually preserves. For collectors, EC 002 is highly desirable due to its age, rarity, distinctive appearance, and scientific importance. Each specimen represents a fragment of one of the earliest known volcanic crusts in the solar system.