NWA 1465 Carbonaceous Chondrite Meteorite Rare CV3-an Anomalous Northwest Africa

An authentic specimen of the officially classified Northwest Africa 1465 (NWA 1465) meteorite, an exceptionally rare anomalous CV3 carbonaceous chondrite approved in Meteoritical Bulletin 88 in 2004. NWA 1465 is one of only a handful of officially recognized CV3-an meteorites and is highly prized for its unusual mineralogy, strong foliation, and large refractory inclusions.

Recovered in Western Sahara in 2001, this meteorite consists of multiple fusion-crusted pieces totaling approximately 3 kilograms. The meteorite displays a highly distinctive internal structure containing abundant chondrules, refractory inclusions, and dark lithologies set within a compact anhydrous matrix.

Official Classification

• Name: Northwest Africa 1465 (NWA 1465)
• Country: Northwest Africa / Western Sahara
• Year Found: 2001
• Classification: Carbonaceous Chondrite (CV3-anomalous)
• Shock Stage: S4
• Weathering Grade: W3
• Total Known Weight: 3 kg
• Official Publication: Meteoritical Bulletin 88

Physical Characteristics

Official reports describe: abundant fusion crust coverage, strong foliation textures, flattened chondrules, refractory inclusions, dark lithic inclusions, and compact anhydrous matrix.

Scientific Composition

Scientific analysis identified: Fe-rich olivine, Ca-rich pyroxene, enstatite, forsterite, troilite, magnetite, FeNi-metal, refractory inclusions, and large dark clasts.

What Makes NWA 1465 Especially Notable

• Cm-sized calcium-aluminum-rich inclusions (CAIs)
• Strong structural foliation
• Anomalous isotopic signatures
• Primitive unequilibrated textures
• Visually complex carbonaceous structure

Unlike typical CV3 chondrites, NWA 1465 is classified as anomalous due to its unusual mineralogical and isotopic characteristics, making it especially desirable among advanced meteorite collectors and researchers.

Why CV3 Carbonaceous Meteorites Are Highly Sought After

CV3 carbonaceous meteorites commonly preserve: primitive chondrules, refractory inclusions, early-formed mineral assemblages, carbonaceous matrix material, and visually dramatic polished textures.

Ideal For

• Carbonaceous chondrite collectors
• CV3 specialists
• Advanced meteorite collections
• Primitive meteorite enthusiasts
• Museum and educational displays
• Collectors seeking rare anomalous classifications

Depending on preparation, specimens may display: visible chondrules, dark lithic clasts, CAIs and refractory inclusions, metallic grains, fusion crust remnants, and brecciated and foliated structures.

A remarkable extraterrestrial artifact representing one of the rarest officially recognized anomalous CV3 carbonaceous chondrites available to collectors today.

Measurements & Weight

• Dimensions: 30 x 14 x 0.2 mm
• Weight: 2.05g

Condition

Please review all photos carefully for overall condition, fractures, weathering, fusion crust, chondrule visibility, and preparation characteristics, as they are considered part of the description. Carbonaceous meteorites are natural extraterrestrial objects and commonly display matrix friability, oxidation, structural variation, and natural mineralogical textures.