{"product_id":"nwa-16317-diogenite-meteorite-specimen-official-hed-achondrite-northwest-africa-meteorite","title":"NWA 16317 Diogenite Meteorite Specimen Official HED Achondrite Northwest Africa Meteorite","description":"\u003cp\u003eAn 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNWA 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eOfficial Classification\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eName:\u003c\/strong\u003e Northwest Africa 16317 (NWA 16317)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCountry:\u003c\/strong\u003e Algeria\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYear Purchased:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2022\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eClassification:\u003c\/strong\u003e HED Achondrite (Diogenite)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWeathering Grade:\u003c\/strong\u003e W5\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTotal Known Weight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6.3 kg\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOfficial Publication:\u003c\/strong\u003e Meteoritical Bulletin 115\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eScientific Composition\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eScientific 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePhysical Characteristics\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eOfficial reports describe: dark brown exterior coloration, coarse-grained internal structure, chromite crystal development, absence of brecciation, and rusted metallic networks between mineral grains.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eGeochemical Data\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePyroxene Fs25.6±0.3 Wo2.7±0.7\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlagioclase An92.1±0.3\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChromite Chm79.0±1.8\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eDiogenites 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eIdeal For\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAchondrite collectors\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHED meteorite enthusiasts\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdvanced planetary science collections\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMuseum and educational displays\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDifferentiated meteorite collectors\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRare classified meteorite collections\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eDepending on preparation, specimens may display: coarse orthopyroxene crystals, black chromite inclusions, igneous crystalline textures, polished mineral structures, and metallic intergrowths.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA remarkable extraterrestrial artifact representing one of the rarer and more visually distinctive achondrite meteorite classes available to collectors today.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eMeasurements \u0026amp; Weight\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDimensions: 24 x 13 x 0.7 mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 4.5g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCondition\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003ePlease 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Prospector's Vault","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42422822535250,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0575\/8805\/6146\/files\/NWA_16317.png?v=1779754175","url":"https:\/\/prospectorsvault.com\/products\/nwa-16317-diogenite-meteorite-specimen-official-hed-achondrite-northwest-africa-meteorite","provider":"Prospector's Vault","version":"1.0","type":"link"}