NWA 13669 Martian Meteorite. Martian (nakhlite) . Northwest Africa. Found: 2020. ...

Description

NWA 13669 Martian Meteorite
Martian (nakhlite)
Northwest Africa
Found: 2020

While any Martian meteorite is inherently rare, there are actually three types: shergottite, nakhlite, and chassignite. This small example belongs to the nakhite category and offers both a nice amount of fusion crust as well as a rocky obverse revealing the internal composition of the specimen from the Red Planet. While this piece of NWA 13669 weighing just 19.2 grams is not large, it is, nonetheless, rather significant given the total known weight of the fall was only 139.2 grams. Nakhlites are rich in Augite and in Olivine crystals. Found in 2020, this material is a dark charcoal on the outside crust and a mottled, lighter hue in the middle with a granular nature and minor sparkles. The piece in such a "natural" state is complex and interesting, and these samples are susceptible to crumbling, so often are not cut and polished for display. Nahklites are some of the rarest meteorites on Earth and will often command premium prices per gram.
Measurements: 1.49 x 0.95 x 0.70 inches (3.78 x 2.41 x 1.78 cm), weighs 19.2 grams

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