NWA 16317 Diogenite Meteorite Specimen Official HED Achondrite Northwest Africa Meteorite

An authentic specimen of the officially classified Northwest Africa 16317 (NWA 16317) meteorite, a rare Diogenite achondrite approved in Meteoritical Bulletin 115 in 2026. Recovered in Algeria and purchased in 2022, this meteorite belongs to the highly sought-after HED achondrite family — a group of differentiated meteorites believed to originate from the deep crustal regions of a large asteroid parent body.

NWA 16317 is especially notable for its coarse-grained crystalline structure and striking euhedral chromite crystals, giving the meteorite strong visual and scientific appeal. Unlike ordinary chondrites, diogenites are igneous achondrites composed primarily of orthopyroxene-rich material and are prized for their unique mineralogy and rarity.

Official Classification

• Name: Northwest Africa 16317 (NWA 16317)
• Country: Algeria
• Year Purchased: 2022
• Classification: HED Achondrite (Diogenite)
• Weathering Grade: W5
• Total Known Weight: 6.3 kg
• Official Publication: Meteoritical Bulletin 115

Scientific Composition

Scientific analysis identified: low-Ca pyroxene (~74 vol%), plagioclase (~22 vol%), chromite crystals, Fe-metal phases, coarse crystalline achondritic texture, pyroxene exsolution lamellae, and large euhedral chromite crystals up to 4 mm.

Physical Characteristics

Official reports describe: dark brown exterior coloration, coarse-grained internal structure, chromite crystal development, absence of brecciation, and rusted metallic networks between mineral grains.

Geochemical Data

• Pyroxene Fs25.6±0.3 Wo2.7±0.7
• Plagioclase An92.1±0.3
• Chromite Chm79.0±1.8

Diogenites are especially desirable among collectors because they represent rare differentiated achondrite material with deep crustal igneous textures rarely seen in ordinary meteorites. Their mineral-rich crystalline structures make them highly attractive for both scientific study and display.

Ideal For

• Achondrite collectors
• HED meteorite enthusiasts
• Advanced planetary science collections
• Museum and educational displays
• Differentiated meteorite collectors
• Rare classified meteorite collections

Depending on preparation, specimens may display: coarse orthopyroxene crystals, black chromite inclusions, igneous crystalline textures, polished mineral structures, and metallic intergrowths.

A remarkable extraterrestrial artifact representing one of the rarer and more visually distinctive achondrite meteorite classes available to collectors today.

Measurements & Weight

• Dimensions: 24 x 13 x 0.7 mm
• Weight: 4.5g

Condition

Please review all photos carefully for overall condition, weathering, fractures, oxidation, crystal 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.