NWA Sliced Meteorite Genuine Common Chondrite from Northwest Africa Authentic Space Rock – Real Meteorite Slice with COA
£ 19.20
NWA SLICED METEORITE – GENUINE COMMON CHONDRITE FROM NORTHWEST AFRICAThis exceptional NWA Sliced Meteorite is a genuine Common Chondrite from the
renowned Northwest Africa (NWA) meteorite fields, discovered across the arid stretches of the Sahara Desert. Each slice is a unique cross-section revealing the intricate internal texture of this extraterrestrial stone — a stunning combination of metal grains, silicate chondrules, and fine-grained matrix. The meteorite shown in the photos is the exact specimen you will receive, photographed to accurately capture its structure and detail. These slices represent material formed over 4.5 billion years ago, making them one of the oldest natural objects on Earth. SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION AND COMPOSITIONThe NWA Common Chondrite belongs to the Ordinary Chondrite (OC) group — the most abundant class of meteorites to fall to Earth. These are stony meteorites composed primarily of olivine [(Mg,Fe)₂SiO₄], orthopyroxene [(Mg,Fe)SiO₃], plagioclase feldspar, troilite (FeS), and nickel-iron metal. These minerals crystallised in the earliest stages of the Solar System’s formation and were never melted, meaning their original chemistry remains largely unchanged since before the planets were formed.NWA chondrites are typically classified as L5–6 Ordinary Chondrites, where “L” denotes a low metal content, and “5–6” indicates an advanced level of thermal metamorphism that has partially or completely recrystallised the original chondritic texture. Despite this, many slices still display preserved chondrules — the small, round silicate spheres that are the hallmark of chondritic meteorites. These formed as molten droplets in the solar nebula before cooling and accreting into primitive asteroidal bodies.The texture of this specimen reveals a fine-grained crystalline matrix interspersed with metallic flecks and subtle impact features. Under reflected light, the metal grains glisten against the stony matrix, offering a glimpse into the dynamic geological processes that took place on its parent asteroid billions of years ago. FORMATION AND PETROLOGYChondrites such as this one originate from undifferentiated asteroids — celestial bodies that never underwent complete melting or core formation. Over billions of years, collisions and impacts within the asteroid belt caused brecciation, shock veining, and metamorphism, which can be seen in the fine details of the slice.This specimen likely represents material from an asteroid within the main belt between Mars and Jupiter, the birthplace of most stony meteorites. Many NWA meteorites exhibit shock stages S3–S4, denoting moderate deformation due to ancient impact events, and a weathering grade of W2–W4, reflecting natural oxidation during long burial in desert sands. These subtle features make every slice scientifically fascinating and visually distinct. DISCOVERY AND PROVENANCEThe Northwest Africa (NWA) meteorite field covers regions of Morocco, Algeria, and Mauritania, and has become one of the world’s most important sources of meteorites since the 1990s. Countless fragments were found scattered across the Sahara, forming vast strewn fields that have produced some of the most studied meteorite specimens in modern science.NWA meteorites are typically recovered by local finders and later classified through mineralogical and chemical analysis. The desert’s hot, dry climate preserves these space rocks exceptionally well, protecting their metallic inclusions and stony textures from significant terrestrial alteration. AUTHENTICITY AND PRESENTATIONAll of our meteorites are 100% genuine specimens and come complete with a Certificate of Authenticity verifying their identification and origin. The meteorite slice shown is the exact piece you will receive, with a scale cube equal to 1cm visible in the photograph for accurate size reference. Each specimen is carefully chosen for its structural beauty, scientific importance, and visual appeal, making it suitable for collectors, educators, and enthusiasts alike. A TIMELESS PIECE OF COSMIC HISTORYOwning an NWA Sliced Common Chondrite Meteorite is an opportunity to possess a tangible fragment of our Solar System’s earliest history. This extraterrestrial stone formed before Earth itself existed, carrying within it the primordial ingredients from which our planet and all life eventually evolved. Every metallic fleck and silicate grain within this slice tells a story of formation, impact, and endurance through cosmic time.This authentic NWA meteorite slice is a captivating addition to any collection — a genuine space rock that connects you directly to the birth of the planets and the origins of our universe.
renowned Northwest Africa (NWA) meteorite fields, discovered across the arid stretches of the Sahara Desert. Each slice is a unique cross-section revealing the intricate internal texture of this extraterrestrial stone — a stunning combination of metal grains, silicate chondrules, and fine-grained matrix. The meteorite shown in the photos is the exact specimen you will receive, photographed to accurately capture its structure and detail. These slices represent material formed over 4.5 billion years ago, making them one of the oldest natural objects on Earth. SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION AND COMPOSITIONThe NWA Common Chondrite belongs to the Ordinary Chondrite (OC) group — the most abundant class of meteorites to fall to Earth. These are stony meteorites composed primarily of olivine [(Mg,Fe)₂SiO₄], orthopyroxene [(Mg,Fe)SiO₃], plagioclase feldspar, troilite (FeS), and nickel-iron metal. These minerals crystallised in the earliest stages of the Solar System’s formation and were never melted, meaning their original chemistry remains largely unchanged since before the planets were formed.NWA chondrites are typically classified as L5–6 Ordinary Chondrites, where “L” denotes a low metal content, and “5–6” indicates an advanced level of thermal metamorphism that has partially or completely recrystallised the original chondritic texture. Despite this, many slices still display preserved chondrules — the small, round silicate spheres that are the hallmark of chondritic meteorites. These formed as molten droplets in the solar nebula before cooling and accreting into primitive asteroidal bodies.The texture of this specimen reveals a fine-grained crystalline matrix interspersed with metallic flecks and subtle impact features. Under reflected light, the metal grains glisten against the stony matrix, offering a glimpse into the dynamic geological processes that took place on its parent asteroid billions of years ago. FORMATION AND PETROLOGYChondrites such as this one originate from undifferentiated asteroids — celestial bodies that never underwent complete melting or core formation. Over billions of years, collisions and impacts within the asteroid belt caused brecciation, shock veining, and metamorphism, which can be seen in the fine details of the slice.This specimen likely represents material from an asteroid within the main belt between Mars and Jupiter, the birthplace of most stony meteorites. Many NWA meteorites exhibit shock stages S3–S4, denoting moderate deformation due to ancient impact events, and a weathering grade of W2–W4, reflecting natural oxidation during long burial in desert sands. These subtle features make every slice scientifically fascinating and visually distinct. DISCOVERY AND PROVENANCEThe Northwest Africa (NWA) meteorite field covers regions of Morocco, Algeria, and Mauritania, and has become one of the world’s most important sources of meteorites since the 1990s. Countless fragments were found scattered across the Sahara, forming vast strewn fields that have produced some of the most studied meteorite specimens in modern science.NWA meteorites are typically recovered by local finders and later classified through mineralogical and chemical analysis. The desert’s hot, dry climate preserves these space rocks exceptionally well, protecting their metallic inclusions and stony textures from significant terrestrial alteration. AUTHENTICITY AND PRESENTATIONAll of our meteorites are 100% genuine specimens and come complete with a Certificate of Authenticity verifying their identification and origin. The meteorite slice shown is the exact piece you will receive, with a scale cube equal to 1cm visible in the photograph for accurate size reference. Each specimen is carefully chosen for its structural beauty, scientific importance, and visual appeal, making it suitable for collectors, educators, and enthusiasts alike. A TIMELESS PIECE OF COSMIC HISTORYOwning an NWA Sliced Common Chondrite Meteorite is an opportunity to possess a tangible fragment of our Solar System’s earliest history. This extraterrestrial stone formed before Earth itself existed, carrying within it the primordial ingredients from which our planet and all life eventually evolved. Every metallic fleck and silicate grain within this slice tells a story of formation, impact, and endurance through cosmic time.This authentic NWA meteorite slice is a captivating addition to any collection — a genuine space rock that connects you directly to the birth of the planets and the origins of our universe.
Other Products
