NWA 15057 Carbonaceous Chondrite Meteorite Official CVox3 Northwest Africa Meteorite

An authentic specimen of the officially classified Northwest Africa 15057 (NWA 15057) meteorite, a rare CVox3 carbonaceous chondrite approved in Meteoritical Bulletin 111 in 2023. Purchased in 2021 from an Algerian dealer, this meteorite represents one of the more visually and scientifically significant carbonaceous chondrite types available to collectors today.

NWA 15057 is especially notable for its abundant well-formed chondrules, relatively high concentration of CAIs (calcium-aluminum-rich inclusions), and primitive unequilibrated mineralogy preserved within a fine-grained dark matrix. These features make it highly desirable among advanced collectors of primitive carbonaceous meteorites.

Official Classification

• Name: Northwest Africa 15057 (NWA 15057)
• Country: Northwest Africa
• Year Purchased: 2021
• Classification: Carbonaceous Chondrite (CVox3)
• Shock Stage: S2
• Weathering Grade: Low
• Total Known Weight: 6.4 kg
• Official Publication: Meteoritical Bulletin 111

Physical Characteristics

Official reports describe: abundant well-formed chondrules, concentric-rimmed chondrules, dark fine-grained matrix, relatively abundant CAIs, unequilibrated mineralogy, and fresh and devitrified glass within chondrules.

Scientific Composition

Scientific analysis identified: olivine, low-Ca pyroxene, diopside, magnetite, pentlandite, plagioclase, kamacite, anorthite, spinel, and gehlenite. The meteorite contains chondrules averaging approximately 1050 µm in diameter and displays classic primitive carbonaceous textures highly prized in the collecting community.

Why CV Carbonaceous Chondrites Are Especially Valued

CV carbonaceous chondrites commonly preserve: primitive solar nebular textures, large visible chondrules, CAIs, refractory minerals, dark matrix-rich structures, and early-forming mineral assemblages.

Unlike ordinary chondrites, CV carbonaceous meteorites often display dramatic visual contrast between large chondrules and dark matrix material, making polished slices especially attractive for display.

Ideal For

• Carbonaceous chondrite collectors
• CV chondrite specialists
• Advanced meteorite collections
• Primitive meteorite enthusiasts
• Museum and educational displays
• Collectors seeking chondrule-rich material

Depending on preparation, specimens may display: large visible chondrules, CAIs and refractory inclusions, dark matrix regions, metallic inclusions, polished chondrule-rich textures, and primitive brecciated structures.

A remarkable extraterrestrial artifact representing one of the rarer and more scientifically important carbonaceous meteorite groups available to collectors today.

Measurements & Weight

• Dimensions: 42 x 11 x 0.3 mm
• Weight: 2.4g

Condition

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