A massive iron meteorite sat undisturbed in the Somali desert for generations—until armed men stole it in 2020. The El Ali meteorite contains at least three minerals never before seen on Earth, making it scientifically priceless. But its journey from landmark to black market raises thorny questions about the role of researchers in legitimizing stolen artifacts.
Recommended Reading
<a href="https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/inside-the-mysterious-smuggling-of-the-el-ali-meteorite/">The Sordid Mystery of a Somalian Meteorite Smuggled into China</a>
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