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NWA 11900 Ureilite Meteorite Specimen Official Augite-Bearing Ureilite Northwest Africa
NWA 11900 Ureilite Meteorite Specimen Official Augite-Bearing Ureilite Northwest Africa
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An authentic specimen of the officially classified Northwest Africa 11900 (NWA 11900) meteorite, a rare augite-bearing ureilite approved in Meteoritical Bulletin 107 in 2018. Recovered in Western Sahara and purchased in 2017, this meteorite belongs to the highly sought-after ureilite class — an unusual category of achondrite meteorites prized for their crystal-rich interiors and carbon-bearing mineralogy.
NWA 11900 is especially notable for its striking interior mosaic of green and brown crystals revealed when cut and polished. The combination of olivine, pyroxene, metallic phases, and dispersed graphite creates a highly distinctive appearance rarely seen in ordinary meteorites.
Official Classification
- Name: Northwest Africa 11900 (NWA 11900)
- Country: Western Sahara
- Year Purchased: 2017
- Classification: Ureilite (Augite-Bearing)
- Shock Stage: Low
- Weathering Grade: Moderate
- Total Known Weight: 457 grams
- Official Publication: Meteoritical Bulletin 107
Physical Characteristics
Official reports describe: weathered exterior, green and brown crystalline interior, mosaic mineral texture, fine-grained Fe-metal along grain boundaries, and scattered graphite grains throughout the stone.
Scientific Composition
Scientific analysis identified: olivine, pigeonite, augite, Fe-metal, and graphite inclusions.
The graphite-bearing nature of ureilites gives many specimens a unique dark matrix and crystalline appearance that makes them instantly recognizable among advanced collectors.
Unlike ordinary chondrites, ureilites are achondritic meteorites composed primarily of coarse silicate crystals with carbon-rich phases and metallic inclusions. Their unusual texture and rarity make them especially desirable among collectors seeking visually distinctive meteorites.
Ideal For
- Ureilite collectors
- Achondrite enthusiasts
- Advanced meteorite collections
- Carbon-bearing meteorite collectors
- Museum and educational displays
- Collectors seeking unusual crystalline meteorites
Depending on preparation, specimens may display: green olivine crystals, brown pyroxene structures, metallic grain boundaries, graphite inclusions, polished crystalline textures, and brecciated achondritic appearance.
A remarkable extraterrestrial artifact representing one of the more visually distinctive and uncommon meteorite classes available to collectors today.
Measurements & Weight
- Dimensions: 31 x 15 x 0.3 mm
- Weight: 2.3g
Condition
Please review all photos carefully for overall condition, weathering, fractures, crystalline structure, and preparation characteristics, as they are considered part of the description. Meteorites are natural extraterrestrial objects and commonly display structural variation, oxidation, and natural mineralogical textures.
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