Murchison Meteorite. CM2. Near Murchison, Victoria, Australia - (36° 37'S, 145° 12'E). Witnessed Fall: September 2...

Description

Murchison Meteorite
CM2
Near Murchison, Victoria, Australia - (36° 37'S, 145° 12'E)
Witnessed Fall: September 28, 1969, between 10h45m and 11h00m L.T.

The Murchison Meteorite that fell in Australia in 1969 represents a rare, witnessed fall and is a widely studied but not often seen for sale variety. This specimen weighs just shy of 42 grams and is typical of material of the CM2 Carbonaceous Chondrite. Of course, that meteorite type is known for containing organic compounds, and Murchison - which belongs to petrologic type 2 - has been altered by water-rich fluids on its parent body and has common amino acids as part of this composition. Astronomers have reported that silicon carbide particles in Murchison could be ~7 billion years old and, therefore, possibly the oldest material found on Earth so far! The briquet-like piece has remnant fusion crust on one face of the stone which is overall blackish in coloration. The exposed surfaces display some small whitish clasts, which are likely Calcium-rich Aluminum inclusions consistent with primitive meteorites. This unique offering is being provided by the son of the man who collected it after witnessing the fall.
Measurements: 1.81 x 1.10 x 1.09 inches (4.59 x 2.80 x 2.78 cm), weighs 41.6 grams

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