A slice of the El Ali meteorite, now housed in the University of Alberta's meteorite collectionImage source, Supplied to University of Alberta
Image caption, A slice of the El Ali meteorite, now housed in the University of Alberta's meteorite collection

Scientists say there are two minerals in a meteorite that fell to Earth.

The rock was found two years ago, but locals think it's older.

The Nightfall is documented in poems, songs and dances that have been performed for generations. Today, it's used tosharpen knives.

There are two official names for the new minerals.

They were identified by scientists at the University of Alberta who looked at a 70g fragment from the meteorite, which is said to be the ninth biggest to reach our planet and is about 90 percent iron and nickel.

"elkinstantonite" is named after a Nasa expert who was involved in the discovery of the meteorite in El Ali.

Lindy has done a lot of research on how planets form and how iron nickel and iron meteorites are related. It made sense to name a mineral after her because of her contributions to science.

The university's researchers hope to get their hands on more of the meteorite, not only to see what else they can find, but also how it can be used on Earth.

"Wherever there's a new material that's known, material scientists are interested too because of the potential uses in a wide range of things in society."