Stone Meteorites For Sale
Within these authenticated stones lie chondrules: primordial, glassy spheres forged at the dawn of the solar system, making them older than Earth itself. Rarer varieties, such as carbonaceous chondrites, may even contain water and amino acids—the fundamental building blocks of life. At Aerolite Meteorites, Inc., we provide a premier selection of authenticated stone meteorites for sale, each meticulously researched for scientific accuracy.
Explore our collection of guaranteed specimens below, presented in alphabetical order. Click on any product for additional photographs and detailed information. We take pride in our world-class customer service and are happy to assist with any questions as you select your next cosmic discovery.
Aba Panu Meteorite
Ordinary chondrite, L3
Witnessed fall in Oyo, Nigeria on April 19, 2018
Aba Panu is a witnessed fall that occurred at 14:02:27 on April 19, 2018. Numerous stones landed between the Nigerian villages of Ipapo and Tede. An astonishing entry velocity of almost 13 miles per second was recorded for the incoming mass. That is around 45,000 miles per hour!
Aba Panu is an L3 chondrite, meaning it is a stone meteorite comparatively low in metal (nickel-iron) while its chondrules are as close to pristine as we can expect to see. L3 meteorites are particularly interesting to researchers and collectors alike, as they underwent a very low degree of alteration on the parent bodies. Their 4.67-billion-year-old chondrules give us perhaps our best look back at the earliest moments of our own solar system. Aba Panu is delightfully rich in them: white, grey, and cream- colored chondrules and chondrule fragments, varying greatly in size from about 0.1 to several mm across. Densely packed together, their abundance is marvelous, in fact, the meteorite seems to be made up almost entirely of these tiny, ancient intriguing spheres. Also visible are a few nickel-iron flecks and occasional armored chondrules. Combine that with the fact that in all of meteorite history there have only been seven L3 witnessed falls (none of the other six are readily available to collectors) and you have a highly desirable and rarely-offered space rock collectible.
Abadla 002 Meteorite
Carbonaceous chondrite (CM2)
Found in Bechar Algeria, 2021
Abadla 002 is a carbonaceous chondrite meteorite. It was found in 2022 in Algeria, in Bechar, the capital. Bechar was annexed to French Algeria and subsequently thrived in the coal mining industry. The economy there now is centered around agriculture, producing dates, vegetables, figs, cereals, and almonds. The climate in the region is hot, with temperatures reaching upwards of 115 degrees Fahrenheit in the summers. A CM2, Abadla 002 is a rare type of carbonaceous chondrite—only about 0.8% of known meteorites fall under that classification. The total mass of the find is a minuscule 800 grams. The parent body of CM-type meteorites is not known, though they are assumed to have originated from carbonaceous asteroids, of which there are many. The 2 designation indicates this meteorite was altered by water while in space!
Abadla 002 pieces sport a handsome black fusion crust on their exterior and a smattering of small chondrules suspended in a dark grey matrix in their interior, some small CAIs may be present.
Aguas Zarcas Meteorite
Carbonaceous chondrite (CM2)
Alajuela, Costa Rica on April 23, 2019 at 21:07 local time
A significant fireball traveling from the northwest to the southeast, shortly after 9 pm was observed by many witnesses and recorded on cameras belonging to the National Seismological Network. Fireballs that produce new meteorites on Earth are always big news, but not since 1969 had there been a comparable event. It was not the size of the fireball that generated almost unprecedented excitement, but rather the type of meteorite — an extremely rare carbonaceous chondrite known as a CM2 — which represents only 0.8% of all known meteorites. Witnessed falls produce meteorites that display rich jet black fusion crust - the charred outer skin formed during entry. This rind is fragile and affected by terrestrial weathering when meteorites sit on Earth’s surface for several years.
The Aguas Zarcas meteorite fall produced primarily small stones, the majority of which were unbroken; a rare occurrence due to the violent effects experienced by most meteorites as they blast through Earth’s atmosphere. Meteoriticists noted the stone’s high degree of brecciation. Some stones exhibit clasts with abundant chondrules. Some specimens are rich in nickel-iron and will adhere to a magnet, while others show no attraction. The variation in these specimens is a reflection of the heterogeneity of the parent body, caused by the pummeling and re-accretion of other asteroidal material as it hurtled through space.
Allende Meteorite
Carbonaceous chondrite, CV3.2
Witnessed fall in Chihuahua, Mexico on February 8, 1969
Allende is a rare witnessed fall CV3 carbonaceous chondrite. Allende’s nighttime fireball spread over 50 square kilometers was witnessed by hundreds of people in rural Mexico on February 8, 1969 and numerous specimens were picked up by locals the next morning.
Often described as “the most studied meteorite in history,” Allende is one of the most fascinating and desirable space rocks available to collectors. It’s availability for study and commerce is due in large part to Dr. Elbert King, a meteorite specialist who designed NASA’s Lunar Receiving Lab during the Apollo era. As soon as he heard the news, Dr. King traveled from Houston to Chihuahua, in the hope of recovering some samples. He had no idea that Allende would turn out to be a particularly rare type and of great interest to science. The enterprising Dr. King studied Allende for many years and traded specimens with researchers the world over which is, in part, why this meteorite has been so very widely studied. Dr. King’s thrilling Allende adventure is recorded in his enjoyable memoir, Moon Trip.
Allende is rich in carbon and the calcium-rich inclusions (CAIs) in the Allende meteorite are about 4.6 billion years old. Allende also contains microscopic diamonds which are believed to be the last remnants of an exploding sun that predates our own solar system by billions of years! As such, at an estimated 12 billion years, they are by far the oldest things any human has ever touched.
Assedreme 001 Meteorite
Ordinary Chondrite, H5
Find, possible fall: 2022 Dec 3 in Gao, Mali
The Celestial Fireball over Timbuktu On the afternoon of December 3, 2022, the desert sky over Mali’s Timbuktu Region was pierced by a rare and spectacular event: a brilliant daytime fireball. Multiple witnesses across the region reported seeing the celestial visitor streak across the heavens at approximately 2:00 PM, a time when the sun is usually too bright for such sightings. This instantly sparked excitement among locals and the international meteorite community. The sheer brightness of the midday bolide suggested a powerful entry, leaving those who looked up in awe of the raw energy radiating from the Saharan sky.
Recovery and the H5 Chondrite Classification Following the atmospheric event, search efforts in the Gao region led to the recovery of fresh, black-crusted stones officially named **Assedreme 001**. Classified as an H5 Ordinary Chondrite, this meteorite is a high-iron specimen that underwent significant thermal metamorphosis within its parent asteroid billions of years ago. Because it was recovered shortly after its 2022 arrival, the stone remains in a remarkably pristine state, free from the terrestrial weathering that affects older Saharan finds. The interior reveals a dense, metal-rich matrix and subtly defined chondrules, offering a "fresh" look at the primitive material that formed our solar system.
Bassikounou Meteorite
Ordinary chondrite H5
Witnessed fall in Mauritania on October 16, 2006
The Spectacular 2006 Bassikounou Fall
At approximately 4 am on the morning of October 16, 2006 a shower of stones fell in and around the village of Bassikounou in the southeast corner of Mauritania, near the border with Mali. Many stones were picked up very shortly after the fall in a 8 km strewnfield, and as a result the jet-black fusion crust has been perfectly preserved.
H5 Chondrite Classification
Classified as an H5 Ordinary Chondrite, the Bassikounou meteorite is a high-iron specimen prized for its remarkably fresh state. Because these stones were recovered almost immediately from the desert floor, they exhibit a velvet-like fusion crust. The interior reveals a bright, light-gray matrix densely populated with shimmering nickel-iron flakes and well-defined chondrules. As a well-documented witnessed fall, Bassikounou remains a must-have for collectors who seek the aesthetic beauty of a "fresh" celestial arrival.
Camel Donga Meteorite
Achondrite, Ca-rich. Eucrite-mmict
Found January 1984 near Camel Donga, on the Nullarbor Plain, Western Australia, Australia.
The Vesta Connection: A Rare HED Achondrite
Camel Donga is a distinguished member of the HED (Howardite-Eucrite-Diogenite) group, a suite of meteorites that are quite closely related. As a calcium-rich eucrite, this specimen is an achondrite—a stony meteorite without chondrules—which scientists believe originated from the basaltic crust of the giant asteroid 4 Vesta or a Vesta-like asteroid. Because it represents a sample from a differentiated planetary body, Camel Donga provides an extraordinary look at the volcanic processes that shaped our early solar system.
A Glossy Treasure of the Nullarbor Plain
Discovered in 1984 in a remote region of Western Australia’s Nullarbor Plain, Camel Donga is world-renowned for its aesthetic beauty. It exhibits a remarkably glossy, obsidian-like fusion crust, a signature feature of Ca-rich eucrites that is rarely preserved so perfectly. With a total recovered weight estimated at only 50 kg. Its unique visual appeal make it a highly sought-after centerpiece for any collection of Australian or eucrite meteorites.
Carancas Meteorite
Ordinary chondrite, H4-5
Carancas, Chucuito, Puno, Peru, Fell: 15 September 2007, ~16: 45 UTC
The Carancas meteorite event occurred September 15, 2007 in Peru, near Lake Titicaca and the Bolivian border. Eyewitnesses reported saying, "Boiling water started coming out of the crater, and particles of rock and cinders were found nearby," and that, "fetid, noxious" gases were escaping from the crater. The meteorite’s impact created a small crater in the soft clay soil, and approximately 600 villagers became ill after the event. Experts believed that the vaporization of troilite present in large quantities in Carancas, might have been the cause for the villagers’ illness. Villagers who visited the site after the impact also reported illness, though all who were affected reportedly recovered a few days later.
Carancas was classified by a team of scientists working at the University of Arizona. Found to be an H chondrite breccia, most Carancas pieces are without fusion crust and are light grey in color, with some visible chondrules and dark shock veins.
Chelyabinsk Meteorite
Ordinary chondrite, LL5
Witnessed fall in Chelyabinskaya oblast’, Russia on February 15, 2013 at 9:22 a.m.
The Historic Superbolide of February 2013
The February 15, 2013, Chelyabinsk superbolide stands as a landmark event in modern meteoritics, representing the most powerful atmospheric entry since the 1947 Sikhote-Alin fall. Entering the atmosphere at a staggering 42,900 mph, the bolide generated a flash brighter than the sun and a massive shock wave that impacted over 7,000 buildings across six cities. This historic event culminated in a dramatic recovery operation at Lake Chebarkul, where the ~654 kg main mass was famously raised from the lakebed, having left a perfect 8-meter hole in the winter ice upon impact.
A Scientific Masterpiece of Cosmic Shock
Classified as an LL5 Ordinary Chondrite, the Chelyabinsk meteorite offers a unique window into high-energy planetary processes. Many specimens exhibit a complex internal lithology, featuring light-toned silicate fragments set within a dark, shock-melted matrix—a visual testament to the violent collisions its parent body endured in space. Because pieces were recovered shortly after the fall from the deep Russian snow, they retain a pristine, matte-black fusion crust. This combination of historic significance and fascinating internal structure makes Chelyabinsk a phenomenal add to witnessed fall meteorite collections.
Clarendon (c) Meteorite
Ordinary chondrite, L4
Found on April 6, 2015 in Clarendon, Texas
The Remarkable Discovery of the Clarendon (c) Meteorite The Clarendon (c) meteorite, classified as an L4 ordinary chondrite, holds the distinction of being one of the largest chondrites ever discovered in the United States. Found on April 6, 2015, in Clarendon, Texas, the specimen’s discovery was uniquely prompted by the behavior of a horse! During a morning ride on a local ranch, the animals encountered and sniffed out a massive, unusual rock, leading their riders to investigate what would eventually be identified as a significant celestial find.
Massive Scale Weighing in at an impressive 760 pounds, this substantial meteorite was recovered alongside several additional kilograms of fragments found scattered at the site. Following the initial find, a dedicated team of experts, including hunters from Aerolite Meteorites, worked to uncover the remaining pieces and document the area. Today, the main mass of the Clarendon (c) meteorite is housed at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth.
Dalgety Downs Meteorite
Ordinary chondrite, L4
Found in Western Australia, 1941
South of Dalgety Downs, Australia in 1941, 217 kilograms of broken fragments — which came from a single large mass — were found. Several additional masses were recovered in subsequent decades. Totaling an impressive complete find weight of nearly 500 kilograms, making Dalgety Downs the largest L4 meteorite on record to date. The exteriors of this marvelous meteorite have been weathered as it sat on the surface of our planet in a hot desert climate for potentially thousands of years, being affected by the elements. The interiors display chondrules and are a gorgeous pale blue color — beautiful in contrast to the metal flakes.
Dar al Gani (DaG )521
Ordinary Chondrite, CV3
Found in Libya, 1997
Dar al Gani (DaG) 521 is a carbonaceous chondrite that belongs to the CV3 group, the same classification as the celebrated Allende meteorite that fell in Mexico in 1969. The “V” is for Vigarano, a meteorite that fell in Italy in 1910 and is the first known example of this group. CV3s show large chondrules, but little alteration, meaning they have survived, largely unchanged, since the birth of our solar system.
The DaG 521 find consisted of a single stone weighing 1,567 grams and recovered in 1997 on a limestone plateau in Libya, known as Dar al Gani. It was examined and classified by the Museo Nazionale dell’Antartide, Università di Siena in Siena, Italy. It was acquired and prepared by meteorite expert Allan Lang of R.A. Langheinrich Meteorites, shortly after its 1990s recovery and has remained in his collection until now. This rare CV3 is seldom available to collectors and we have not seen a specimen offered for sale for many years.
Dar El Kahal Meteorite
Ordinary Chondrite, H5-6
Found in 2013 in Gao, Mali
Dar el Kahal is rich in nickel-iron meteorite and is also a breccia — essentially a rock made up of fragments of other rocks. Brecciated meteorites are an important tool in studying the history and formation of our solar system. Breccias, by their very nature, indicate geological (or asteroidal) processes, as they are comprised of previously broken rocks from different sources that have been cemented together to create a new matrix. The formation of brecciated meteorites indicate activity — asteroidal collisions, for example — elsewhere in the solar system.
Daule Stone Meteorite
Ordinary chondrite (L5)
Fell in Guayas, Ecuador 23 March 2008
The Historic Witnessed Fall of Ecuador On March 23, 2020, the skies over Daule, Ecuador, were illuminated by a spectacular daytime fireball witnessed by thousands across the region. The resulting recovery of the Daule meteorite was a significant event, as witnessed falls from Ecuador are exceptionally rare. These stones feature a fresh, dark fusion crust—the scorched "skin" created during their high-speed entry through Earth’s atmosphere. Recovered shortly after the event, Daule specimens represent pristine L5 ordinary chondrite material.
Classified as an L5 chondrite, the Daule meteorite contains a fascinating interior of small, embedded chondrules and fine metallic grains. Because it was a witnessed fall with a total mass of roughly 16.5 kilograms, Daule is prized for its "freshness" and the dramatic story of its arrival. For collectors who value the excitement of a recent witnessed event and the rarity of South American meteorites, Daule is a standout specimen with a verified history.
Dhofar 1289 Meteorite
Ordinary chondrite, L4
Found in Oman in 2004
Dhofar 1289 is classified as an L chondrite. The meteorite was found in Oman in 2004. Little has been written about Dhofar 1289. When sliced and polished, Dhofar 1289 exhibits very few metal flakes and appears lightly shocked.
L-type ordinary chondrites make up about 40% of the ordinary chondrites. They typically contain less than 10% iron, and scientists believe that their parent body, or bodies, may include asteroids 433 Eros, 8 Flora, or other asteroids in the Flora family.
El Menia Meteorite
Ordinary chondrite (L5) Fell Ghardaia Saturday, March 11, 2023, at approximately 10:30 am local time
El Menia: The Thunder of the Sahara On the morning of March 11, 2023, the serene silence of the Algerian desert was violently shattered by a series of thunderous sonic booms. Residents of the city of El Menia looked to the sky as a brilliant fireball streaked overhead, announcing its arrival with a shockwave that rattled windows and echoed across the dunes. This wasn’t just a sighting; it was a visceral, physical event. The "explosive roar" heard for miles was the cosmic calling card of a massive stone breaking the sound barrier, followed by the rare and unmistakable sound of stones raining down upon the desert floor. Recovered almost immediately. El Menia stands as a spectacular witnessed fall—a specimen that was heard, seen, and tracked while the memory of its thunderous arrival was still ringing in the air.
Officially classified as an L5 ordinary chondrite, the El Menia meteorite is offered scientists an opportunity to study a freshly fallen meteorite. Because it was recovered shortly after landing, these specimens retain a beautiful, fresh fusion crust—the dark, velvety "skin" created during its fiery passage through Earth’s atmosphere. Inside, the meteorite reveals a sophisticated matrix of small, well-defined chondrules and scattered flakes of nickel-iron, preserved in their original state for billions of years.
With a total recovered mass of approximately 23.5 kilograms, El Menia offers collectors a rare opportunity to own a "fresh" piece of the cosmos, complete with the verified history of an explosive entry that captivated an entire region.
Gadamis 010 Angrite Meteorite
Acondrite, Angrite
Found in Ghadamis, Libya in 2025
A Rare Glimpse into the Ancient Solar System Gadamis 010 is a fascinating meteorite found in 2025 classified as an angrite, one of the rarest and most ancient meteorite classifications known to science. Angrites are igneous achondrite meteorites roughly 4.56 billion years old. Science often looks to meteorites to study conditions at the beginning of the solar system, and Gadamis 010 provides just that: a look into our world at the very beginning of its existence. Specifically, angrites tell us about the earliest differentiated planetary bodies in our solar system, which no longer exist.
Igneous Formation and the Record of Planetary Evolution As igneous rocks, angrites would have formed immediately after the solar system’s inception. Molten rock would have cooled and solidified, crystallizing; this is evident in the presence of olivine crystals observed in the interior of Gadamis 010 meteorites. The exterior of this extraterrestrial wonder is characterized by weathered fusion crust, evidence of its time spent on Earth’s surface. A spectacular addition to any meteorite collection, the Gadamis 010 meteorite is a truly special, scientifically important piece of our solar system’s history.
Gao-Guenie Meteorite
Ordinary chondrite, H5
Witnessed fall in Burkina Faso, March 5, 1960
A large number of meteorites fell about 1700 hours on March 5, 1960 over the African nations of Burkina Faso (previously the Republic or Upper Volat) and the resulting thunderous sound was heard over 100 kilometers away! Many pieces were later found by farmers working in their fields.
Originally named Gao, its was later determined by scientists to be identical to another African meteorite, Guenie, and the two names were fused into one. Specimens show fusion crust and an attractive ochre-patina. Many also show classic features of orientation, including rollover lips.
Gold Basin Meteorite
Ordinary chondrite, L4
Found in United States, 1995
The Legendary Strewnfield of Mohave County
The discovery of Gold Basin is one celebrated story in American meteoritics. In 1995, retired geology professor and gold prospector Jim Kriegh discovered ancient stone meteorites among the arroyos of Mohave County, Arizona. Joined by fellow metal detectorist Twink Monrad, the pair spent years meticulously documenting and mapping thousands of fragments. Because of their dedication, Gold Basin has been described as “one of the best-mapped strewnfields in history."
Scientific Profile of an L4-6 Chondrite
Classified as an L4-6 Ordinary Chondrite, Gold Basin is an ancient arrival with a terrestrial age estimated between 15,000 and 25,000 years. This long exposure to the Arizona sun has gifted the specimens with a beautiful, rich desert patina. The internal structure often reveals a complex brecciated texture with visible chondrules and shimmering flecks of nickel-iron. As a cornerstone of any Arizona meteorite collection, Gold Basin is beloved for its historic discovery and its status as a quintessential American stony meteorite.
Grapevine Mesa Meteorite
Carbonaceous chondrite, CBa
Found Mohave County, Arizona, United States on February 6, 2021
Grapevine Mesa is home to the Grapevine Mesa Joshua Tree forest in Mohave County, Arizona. The natural landmark consists of 3,206 acres and countless mysterious Joshua trees, also called “desert daggers.” The name “Joshua tree” apparently comes from Mormon settlers who crossed the Mojave in the mid-19th century—the trees, used as guides to traverse the desert, reminded settlers the biblical story of Joshua and the Israelites’ conquest of Canaan.
The Grapevine Mesa meteorite is classified as a carbonaceous chondrite of the CB group, described as Bencubbin-like chondrites distinguished by objects that appear similar to chondrules and abundant metal. The space rocks were discovered on February 6, 2021 by metal detectorists who had originally set out looking for gold. The stones are fusion-crusted and appear oxidized, owing to their iron-rich composition. Cba meteorites are incredibly rare, and its serendipitous arrival on the meteorite market was met with great intrigue and excitement.
Gujba Meteorite
Carbonaceous Chondrite, CBa
Fell April 3, 1984, the skies over Yobe, Nigeria
The Legendary Witnessed Fall and Cosmic Impact On the evening of April 3, 1984, the skies over Yobe, Nigeria, were illuminated by a brilliant fireball that culminated in a thunderous explosion and the arrival of a rare cosmic traveler. This legendary witnessed fall, known as Gujba, belongs to the elite CBa carbonaceous chondrite group—a classification of material believed to have formed during colossal, high-velocity impacts between planetesimals in the early solar nebula. Landing in a cornfield near Bogga Dingare, this specimen represents a "cosmic crunch," offering a frozen snapshot of the chaotic energy and primitive materials that built our planetary neighborhood over four billion years ago.
Exceptional Composition and Pristine Preservation Visually breathtaking and scientifically vital, Gujba is composed of approximately 60% large, shimmering metal nodules suspended within a dark, mysterious silicate matrix. Because this was a witnessed fall recovered shortly after impact, the specimen boasts a Weathering Grade of W0, meaning the metal remains bright and the silicates are as fresh as the day they arrived. Close inspection reveals silicate spheroids featuring stunning fan-like aggregates of pyroxene, providing a level of preservation which excite meteorite collectors and scientists alike. This combination of dramatic origin and unweathered quality makes Gujba a premier example of the violent yet beautiful processes that shaped the early solar system.
Hammadah al Hamra 346 Meteorite
Ordinary chondrite, L6
Gharyan, Libya, Find, possible fall: 2018
Hammadah al Hamra 346 “Ghadamis” is recorded as a possible witnessed fall in Libya on August 26, 2018. Note the rich black fusion crust and large well-formed regmaglypts on these excellent whole stones. The freshness of the crust indicates they were picked shortly after the fall and has experienced little, if any, weathering. Chips in the crust, likely acquired during flight or upon impact, show a light interior with a few relict chondrules.
Given the absence of weathering of the stones, it is speculated Ghadamis originated from the 2018 meteor seen over this region. In 2019, Mr. Marcin Cimala purchased 30 kilograms of stones from a Mauritanian meteorite dealer. Stones of this possible fall are currently being traded under the name of Hammadah al Hamra 346 and Ghadamis.
Homestead Meteorite
Ordinary chondrite, L5
Fell 12 February 1875 in Iowa, USA
The Homestead stone meteorite was observed to have fallen the evening of February 12th 1875. Witnesses described the incoming fireball as producing a variety of rumbling noises and detonations, which shook the houses in its path, "as if moved by an earthquake."
An estimated 100 stones fell in the snow covered countryside, making hunting efforts extremely difficult. The first stone was recovered by Sarah Sherlock, and weighed a whopping 3.5 kilograms. Since, it is estimated the total find weight is 230 kilograms.
There are very few Homestead meteorites available on the marketplace.
Jiddat al Harasis 264 Meteorite
Ordinary chondrite, H4-5
Found in Al Wusta, Oman, 2005
Jiddat al Harasis 264 is named after the desert where it was found in Oman. The desert is the largest strewnfield of meteorites in the country and home to many endangered species, including the Arabian oryx and the Arabian gazelle.
Classified as a stone H4-5, JaH 264 comes from the high-iron chemical group of ordinary chondrites and contains abundant chondrules. Science indicates that the H chondrite parent body could be asteroid 6 Hebe, the fifth-brightest object in the asteroid belt. Discovered by Karl Ludwig Hencke, Hebe was named after the Greek goddess of youth.
Labenne Sahara Meteorite
During the mid-to-late 1990s the French meteorite hunting family Labenne started finding stone meteorites in the arid deserts of Northwest Africa. These finds were made years before the NWA classification system was adopted, and were some of the very first Sahara finds. Each carries a unique hand painted field number. For example “99053” was the 53rd meteorite found during the 1999 expedition. Several have nice polished windows. Luc Labenne continues to be an active member of the meteorite community and Aerolite values its long friendship and professional association with this extraordinary and adventurous European family.
These beautiful Labenne Sahara meteorites are an unclassified ordinary chondrites.Some contain a hand-painted field number, “Sahara 99955,” which indicates that it was recovered during the Labenne family’s 1999 Sahara expedition. Precursors to the NWA (Northwest Africa) influx of meteorites, Labenne Saharas are desirable and attractive historic pieces.
Los Vientos 262 Meteorite
Ordinary Chondrite, L6 Melt Breccia
Found in Antofagasta, Chile November 2017
A Modern Discovery in the High Desert of Chile
Found in 2017 within the Antofagasta region of Chile, the Los Vientos 262 meteorite is a remarkable example of the preservative power of the Atacama Desert. As the driest non-polar place on Earth, the Atacama provides a natural vault for meteorites, protecting them from terrestrial weathering for thousands of years. Because of these extreme conditions, Los Vientos specimens are prized for their exceptional preservation, offering a clear and vibrant look at the stony material of our solar system's asteroid belt.
The Dynamic Origin of an L6 Melt Breccia
Classified as an L6 melt breccia, the interior of Los Vientos reveals a complex history of cosmic collisions. The stone is smattered with intricate shock veins and distinct melt pockets containing iron sulfide and nickel-iron. These features were forged during intense, high-velocity impacts in outer space, where the extreme pressure of colliding asteroids produced shockwaves that vaporized or melted rock components instantly. These pockets of liquid cooled rapidly, creating a "frozen snapshot" of the violent energy and massive collisions that once defined our planetary neighborhood.
Mvskoke Merkv Meteorite
Mvskoke Merkv (muh-skō-gee myth-guh).
The Muscogee Nation’s homeland was originally in what is now Tennessee, Alabama, western Georgia, and parts of northern Florida. Their people were forcibly removed to Indian Territory, now Oklahoma, in the 1830s during the Trail of Tears.
At 3:37 A.M. on January 20, 2023 a fireball was reported to be seen streaking the sky over Muskogee, Oklahoma. Meteorite hunters descended upon the area, immediately. The hunters scrutinized Doppler radar data to triangulate the meteorite’s strewnfield. They collectively recovered five stones. Several days after the initial hunting team left the area, a local discovered a hammerstone that struck a barn roof weighing 388 grams, which was broken in two pieces. The six total recovered stones weigh 1,418.7 grams. The five specimens collected by the initial team are 309.8 grams, 260.3 grams (recovered by a land owner), 262.7 grams, 127.5 grams and 70.6 grams. The 309.8-gram stone was prepared into slices, to be sold into private collections. The 127.5-gram specimen is in its finder’s collection, where it will remain indefinitely. The 260.3-gram, the 262.7-gram, and the 70.6-gram stones were acquired by Aerolite Meteorites; subsequently, the 260.3-gram was purchased by the University of Oklahoma (OU) for public display. Aerolite is honored to have donated for the classification and study to the Buseck Center for Meteorite Studies Arizona State University (ASU).
Aerolite worked with OU to insure a full slice of the marvelous witnessed fall was donated back to the Muscogee Nation. Aerolite, the classifying body at ASU, and UO also contacted the Nation's leadership with a request to assist in officially naming the meteorite. The Nation suggested "Merkv," which means "blessings" in their language.
Nagjir 001 Meteorite
Carbonaceous chondrite (CV3)
Found July, 2021 in Rio de Oro, Western Sahara
Nagjir 001 is a CV3 found in Rio de Oro, Western Sahara. Meaning “River of Gold” in Spanish, Rio de Oro was one of the two territories that made up the Spanish Sahara in the 19th century. Its name comes from a legendary River of Gold that was thought to be in Western Africa—the Portuguese dispatched explorers there with hopes of finding it in the 15th century. Although no gold was discovered, the name stuck.
What was found there, however, were four pieces of rock that fit together like a puzzle. That rock was found to be a meteorite, and not just any kind—a rare CV3. The CV3 group comprises some of the most sought-after meteorites, and for good reason. They’re fascinating to study because they’re rich in carbon and calcium-rich inclusions (CAIs), which are about 4.6 billion years old. CV3s also show large chondrules, but little alteration, meaning they have survived, largely unchanged, since the birth of our solar system.
New Orleans Meteorite
Ordinary chondrite (H5)
Fell Sept 23rd, 2003 in New Orleans, Louisiana USA
On the afternoon of September 23rd 2003, a meteorite crashed through the two-story home of Ray and Judy Fausset, who were not at home at the time. Neighbors said that they heard a “terrific noise.” Two observations of a fireball were recorded. The main mass of the meteorite was found in the crawl space under the house. Powdery meteorite debris and fragments were found along the penetration path throughout the house. A total mass of 19.256 kg was recovered from the Fausset house, the three largest fragments weighing 2966 g, 1292 g and 1001 g. Some additional material (~100 g) was also recovered in the surrounding neighborhood. Description and classification (S. Nelson, Tulane University; R. Jones and A. Brearley, UNM; T. Bunch and J. Wittke, NAU): The meteorite is light grey with a black fusion crust, and very friable. Abundant metal and troilite are visible on broken surfaces, as well as some thin (mm-thick) impact melt veins. Classification and mineralogy: The meteorite is very fragmented on a sub-mm scale. Mean compositions of olivine, Fa17.6; orthopyroxene, Fs15.4Wo1.4; clinopyroxene, Fs10.4Wo24.8; plagioclase, An12.8Or5.6; metal, Ni = 6.7 wt %, Co = 0.38 %. Minor chromite and phosphate are present. The meteorite broke a pipe and many fragments sat in water for several days. Because of this and the humid climate in New Orleans, light oxidation of interior metal within small fragments (<100 g) was evident within a week of the fall. Shock level, S1. Specimens: type specimens 82 g UNM and 63 g NAU; main mass with owner.
Northeast Africa 045 | L6 Meteorite
Ordinary chondrite, LL6
Found March, 2023 in Libya
The Northeast Africa 045 meteorite was found in Libya in 2023; two stones, similar in appearance, were purchased by A. Aaronson. The meteorite was studied at the University of Washington and found to be an LL6 ordinary chondrite. LL6 chondrites are low-iron meteorites that have undergone a high degree of thermal metamorphism. These conditions caused the minerals in LL6 meteorites to homogenize.
The interior of an NEA 045 meteorite reveals clasts and rare remnant chondrules; these are chondrules that remained from the original chondrite parent body before being subjected to the process of metamorphism. Specimens of NEA 045 are an attract light-grey color, and have a unique aesthetic appearance. As these are low-metal specimens, metal flakes are not observed in NEA 045 slices.
Northeast Africa 045 Meteorite For Sale
Northwest Africa | Unclassified Stones
Stone meteorites (H and L chondrites)
Found in Northwest Africa
NWA unclassified stone meteorites were found in the Saharan Desert in Northwest Africa, likely by nomads. In order to classify them it would be necessary to cut off a section for analysis. Although they are exceedingly rare when compared to terrestrial rocks, these are the most abundant type of meteorite and are referred to as “common chondrites.” H and L (designating the amount of metal contained) type chondrites have been already extensively studied, and so these attractive stones have been left intact. Composed largely of spherical grain-like silicate chondrules, these stone meteorites were likely once part of the crust of a planet or large asteroid. Some academics believe that chondrules are older than the solar system!
Northwest Africa 10102 | LL3
Ordinary chondrite (L(LL)3)
Found 2010 in Morocco
Some research indicates that L chondrite meteorites may have had their origin in the Ordovician meteor event, which occurred about 467.5 million years ago. Scientists theorize that during this event, fragments from the L chondrite parent body -- believed to have been destroyed about 468 million years ago -- that had made it into Earth-crossing orbits, rained down on Earth. Some sources theorize that this event may have contributed to, or even instigated, the Great Ordovician Biodiversification Event, one of the greatest evolutionary events in the history of life on Earth; it spanned the entire globe and saw vast increases in the variety of types of creatures that inhabited this planet.
Northwest Africa 10514 | Eucrite
HED achondrite, Eucrite, monomict
Found in Northwest Africa, 2015
A Fragment from a Vesta-Like Asteroid
Eucrites are rare achondrite meteorites belonging to the elite HED (Howardite-Eucrite-Diogenite) family. Unlike the vast majority of space rocks, these specimens have a traceable lineage to a specific geological origin. While historically attributed to the giant asteroid 4 Vesta, recent scientific studies suggest that eucrites like NWA 10514 may also originate from similar "Vesta-like" parent bodies. This places them in an exclusive group of meteorites—alongside those from the Moon and Mars—that offer a direct look at the volcanic crust of a differentiated world.
The Rare Composition and Scarcity of NWA 10514
NWA 10514 is a particularly marvelous stone with a total known weight of only 12 kilograms available worldwide. Eucrites are notoriously difficult to recover in the field because, unlike most meteorites, they contain little to no metallic iron. This lack of magnetism means they do not attract to traditional hunting tools, making them easily overlooked in the desert sands. Composed of basaltic material from the upper crust of its parent body, NWA 10514 is rich in character representing a pristine sample of the igneous activity that once defined the early solar system.
Northwest Africa 11174 | H5 Meteorite
Ordinary chondrite, H5
Found in Eastern Morocco, 2010
A Nomadic Discovery in Eastern Morocco
The story of NWA 11174 began in 2010 when local nomads discovered a small cluster of stones in the remote deserts of Eastern Morocco. This specific recovery was highly localized, with only 21 individual stones ever found. These specimens were carefully handled, passing from the original Moroccan discoverers to trusted dealers before being acquired for the international market. Because of its limited distribution and well-documented chain of custody, NWA 11174 is a prized find for collectors who value meteorites with a clear and exclusive provenance.
The Profile of an H5 Ordinary Chondrite
Classified as an H5 Ordinary Chondrite, NWA 11174 is a high-iron specimen that offers a remarkable look into the early thermal history of the asteroid belt. The stones range in size from 51.4 grams to a larger main mass of 1,289 grams, with a total recovered weight of just 7,411.1 grams. This relatively low total weight makes it a scarce and desirable addition to any collection. The interior reveals a dense, metal-rich matrix typical of the "H" group, showcasing the primitive silicate material that has remained largely unchanged since the formation of our solar system over 4.5 billion years ago.
Northwest Africa 11342 | Diogenite Meteorite
HED achondrite, Diogenite
Found in Morocco, 2017
Diogenites are a fascinating rock type -- they are thought to be of plutonic origin. In both terrestrial and extraterrestrial geology, plutonic rocks are intrusive igneous rocks. That means they were once lava, but instead of being thrown out by a volcano and cooling on the surface, they cooled slowly underground. Slow cooling means they had time to grow large crystals which are often green in color.
The other Vesta meteorite types — howardites and eucrites — journeyed to Earth from a giant asteroid’s surface, but diogenites are different. They originated deep underground and were delivered here on because of the catastrophic meteorite impacts that occurred on Vesta (or a Vesta-like asteroid known as a vestoid) in the distant past. Diogenites are cooled crystalline magma (or lava), excavated from deep inside the asteroid by a meteorite impact so tremendous, it blasted right through the crust to the interior. The excavated material was expelled into space and some of it eventually landed on Earth as diogenite meteorites.
Only a single stone of NWA 11342 was found in Morocco in 2017, and these complete laboratory-prepared slices were taken from it. NWA 11342 was classified by Aerolite Meteorites through the Institute of Meteoritics in Albuquerque, NM and the type specimen remains in their permanent collection.
Northwest Africa 11615 | LL3 Meteorite
Ordinary chondrite, LL3
Found in Morocco, 2017
A Pristine Find from Temara, Morocco
Northwest Africa 11615 was acquired in 2017 in Temara, Morocco, and represents an addition to the study of primitive solar system materials. As an LL chondrite, it belongs to the "low-low" iron group, containing the least amount of metallic iron among all ordinary chondrites. This scarcity of metal allows for a clear, unobstructed look at the rock’s original silicate structure.
The Scientific Beauty of LL3 Chondrules
The "3" in the NWA 11615 classification signifies that this is an unequilibrated meteorite, meaning its internal components have remained largely unchanged since they first formed in the solar nebula. According to the Meteoritical Bulletin, this stone is characterized by closely packed, exceptionally well-formed chondrules with an average diameter of 710 µm. These "cosmic spheres" are set within a fine-grained matrix containing altered kamacite.
Northwest Africa 11700 | H4 Meteorite
Ordinary chondrite, H4
Found in Temara, Morocco, 2017
NWA 11700 stone meteorite was purchased in the coastal city of Temara, Morocco and exhibits tightly packed, small chondrules set in a recrystallized matrix. An H4, 11700 is an ordinary chondrite; H type chondrites likely originate from asteroid 6 Hebe, or from small near-Earth asteroids that had, in the past, broken off from 6 Hebe. Other, less likely parent body candidates include 3 Juno and 7 Iris.
Northwest Africa 12265 | Eucrite Melt-Breccia
Eucrite, melt breccia
Found in Northwest Africa, Classified December 2018
A rare eucrite-melt breccia from Northwest Africa, NWA 12265 was found in 2015. Howardites, eucrites, and diogenites are meteorites that have all originated from Vesta. These are fascinating to collectors and scientists because we rarely are able to identify where meteorites come from. To have a known, physical sample from Vesta to study is extremely valuable to planetary scientists. Furthermore, for collectors, having the opportunity to own a piece of a scientifically significant meteorite is exciting. Eucrites are basalt, or cooled lava that once flowed on Vesta. They take their name from the Greek word “eukritos,” meaning “easily distinguished.” This refers to their being light in weight and interior. Eucrites are difficult to spot and thus are incredibly rare. Scientists studying melt breccias think these rocks could be tied to large impact craters on Vesta.
Northwest Africa 12322 | CV3 Meteorite
Carbonaceous chondrite, CV3
Found in Niger, 2018
These impressive carbonaceous chondrite meteorite slices are packed with abundant multi-colored chondrules. Containing organic compounds and divided into five subclasses, there is little in the world of meteorites that fascinates like carbonaceous chondrites. Rare and very ancient, some have been shown to contain water, carbon, and even amino acids, suggesting they may have brought the building blocks of life to Earth. As in this specimen, the CV3 sub-group often displays beautiful chondrules (small, glassy spheres) that formed 4.6 billion years ago, at the very dawn of the solar system.
Northwest Africa 12925 | CK5 Meteorite
Carbonaceous chondrite, CK5
Morocco, 2018
Found in 2018, NWA 12925 meteorite was purchased in Morocco before being submitted for classification. The stone displays a delicate, fusion-crusted exterior and a grey interior sporting some scattered visible CAIs and large chondrules. Though the parent body of these space rocks has yet to be identified, scientists think the anomalies found in the meteorite’s rare earth element abundances are property these rare rocks inherited from the refractory precursors the early solar nebula produced.
NWA 12925 is a carbonaceous chondrite meteorite, meaning that they contain organic compounds, even water, and amino acids. It’s important to note that while they contain compounds essential to life, the presence of these compounds in these meteorites does not imply that life was present in them or on the parent body from which the meteorite originated. The CK group, which takes its name from the Karoonda meteorite that fell in Australia, is described as being “distinguished by abundant fine-grained matrix (~75 vol%), mm-sized chondrules that lack igneous rims, relatively few refractory inclusions, and a high degree of oxidation,” by the Meteoritical Society.
Northwest Africa 12932 | Unbrecciated Eucrite
Eucrite, unbrecciated
Purchased in 2016, Mauritania
There is a low total known weight of this great eucrite, at 2.91 kilograms, Aerolite holds the majority of the stone.
What is a eucrite? These are meteorites that are thought to have come from asteroid Vesta. They are part of the HED class of meteorites, which includes howardites, eucrites, and diogenites. Eucrites are achondrites, meaning they do not contain chondrules. It’s likely that these meteorites come from planetary bodies that have undergone differentiation. In larger bodies, heat and gravity often cause heavier elements to sink into the body’s deep interior, forming a core, a mantle, and a crust. Achondrites often represent the crust or mantle of such bodies. Scientists believe Vesta has an iron-nickel core, an olivine mantle, and a crust.
Eucrites are also basalt, meaning they are cooled igneous rock, or lava. Vesta’s crust is made up of basaltic material, which was once molten. This material came from Vesta’s mantle, either in progressive eruptions or as an ocean of magma. In fact, images of Vesta reveal that the asteroid has large, exposed areas of this ancient cooled lava. Areas like this are also observed on the Moon, where they are described using the word “mare,” the Latin word for “sea.”
What does the word “eucrite” mean? The name for these meteorites comes from the Greek word “eukritos,” meaning “easily distinguished.” Eucrites are very different from other meteorites in several ways. Inside, they contain large silicate grains, and they are also very light in color and weight. Like terrestrial pumice, eucrites are low in density and contain virtually no iron. All these factors combined make these Vesta lava rocks very difficult to find and recover.
Northwest Africa 13279 | CV3 Meteorite
Carbonaceous chondrite, CV3
Found in Morocco, 2019
NWA 13279 stone meteorite was purchased in 2019 from a Moroccan dealer and classified as an exciting CV3. The CV3s are a subgroup of carbonaceous chondrites that take their name from the Vigarano meteorite, a witnessed fall that fell in 1910 in Italy.
Carbonaceous chondrite meteorites are rare and very ancient; they contain organic compounds like carbon, water, and even amino acids. The CV3s, a special group of carbonaceous chondrites, exhibit large chondrules, some of which are surrounded by igneous rims, and large inclusions. These chondrules are believed to have formed 4.6 billion years ago, at the very dawn of the solar system.
CV3s in particular are unequilibrated chondrites, meaning that the minerals they contain (like olivine and pyroxene) show a wide range of compositions. This suggests that these minerals formed in the solar nebula under volatile conditions. The solar nebula was a flat, rotating disk of gas and dust which condensed to form the solar system.
Northwest Africa 13917 | Winonaite
Winonaite, a primitive achondrite
Purchased in 2020 in Morocco
NWA 13917 proved to be a remarkable find.
The stone was classified as a Winonaite, a primitive achondrite.
Primitive achondrites are “non-chondrites,” in that they are pieces of differentiated planetary bodies, like the Moon or Mars, which are defined as having distinct layers, like a core, mantle, and crust. Planetary differentiation occurs on planets, dwarf planets, asteroids, and moons. They are deemed primitive because scientists have observed that some have relic chondrules and compositions that closely resemble those of chondrites, meaning that the stones have retained much of their original chondritic features.
The interior of NWA 13917 reveals fine-grained metal veins, resembling lightning bolts, set in a mosaic of minerals. Forsterite, also known as “white olivine,” was also detected in NWA 13917; in 2005, data returned by NASA’s Stardust probe indicated that forsterite is present in cometary dust. In 2011, NASA’s Spitzer Space Telescope observed tiny crystals of forsterite in clouds of gas surrounding a forming star. NWA 13917 exhibits a low shock stage, meaning that the matrix has not been extensively fractured.
Northwest Africa 14613 | H5
Ordinary chondrite (H5)
Northwest Africa, 2018
Purchased by the Aerolite Meteorites team in 2018 from a Moroccan dealer, NWA 14613 is classified as an H5 chondrite. A dark exterior offsets light grey chondrules revealed in its interior when cut and polished. The parent body of H chondrites is yet unknown, but scientists have pinpointed S-type asteroid 6 Hebe as a possible candidate, with less likely candidates being 3 June and 7 Iris. Of particular note is that H chondrites overall have similar trace element abundances and oxygen isotope ratios to IIE iron meteorites, indicating that they may have originated from the same parent body.
Specimens: 25 g including a probe mount on deposit at UNM, Aerolite holds the main mass.
Northwest Africa 15658 | Eucrite Melt-Breccia
Eucrite-melt breccia
October, 2022 in Morocco
A Rare Glimpse into the Crust of Asteroid 4 Vesta
NWA 15658 is an extraordinary eucrite, a volcanic rock that originated from the crust of the giant asteroid 4 Vesta—or a closely related Vesta-like body. As a prominent member of the HED (Howardite-Eucrite-Diogenite) meteorite group, this specimen provides a direct window into the early geological activity of large, differentiated asteroids. Recent research and oxygen isotope studies suggest these stones were ejected during colossal, high-velocity impacts that shattered the surface of Vesta billions of years ago. Owning an NWA 15658 specimen is akin to possessing a piece of a "minor planet," offering a tangible link to the violent history of our solar system's asteroid belt.
The Visual Drama of a Eucrite Melt Breccia
What distinguishes NWA 15658 is its dramatic "melt breccia" structure, a visual record of intense cosmic shock. The meteorite is composed of light-toned basaltic clasts up to 3 cm in size, suspended within a striking black, shock-melted matrix. This matrix displays intricate flow textures and finely recrystallized minerals, showcasing the extreme temperatures endured during its journey. Composed predominantly of exsolved pyroxenes and calcic plagioclase, the stone features unique resorption textures where mineral grains were partially melted back into the surrounding matrix. This complex interplay of ancient basalt and solidified shock-melt makes it a great addition for a collector of rare eucrites.
Northwest Africa 15878 | OC4-melt breccia
OC4-melt breccia
Found 2023, Morocco
Northwest Africa 15878 is a melted chondrite classified as an OC4-melt breccia, meaning that it is a breccia with a matrix of melted material. Breccias are composed of previously broken rocks of different types and sources that have adhered together into a matrix. Melt breccias are unique in that they likely formed as a result of high-energy impacts, resulting in angular fragments of rock being cemented together by a matrix of solidified liquid melt that cooled rapidly.
Evidence of such an event is present in the melt veins and pockets observed in the handsome interior of NWA 15878 meteorites that have been sliced and polished. This is one of only six in its class!
Northwest Africa 16128 | Dunite
Achondrite-ung
Found 2022 in Northwest Africa
Differentiated Worlds: The Evolution of Achondrite
Achondrites are differentiated meteorites that represent the evolved crusts and mantles of celestial bodies. Unlike primitive chondrites, these specimens have undergone significant thermal processing within their parent asteroids, which effectively erased the original chondrules of the solar nebula. This transition from raw material to igneous and metamorphic rock provides a geological record of the volcanic processes that shaped larger planetary bodies, such as asteroids and the Moon. By examining the refined mineralogy of an achondrite, researchers gain a deeper understanding of the intense heat and chemical evolution that defined the early history of our solar system.
A Legacy of Rare and Traceable Origins
Many achondrites are sought after for their traceable origins to specific parent bodies, offering a rare opportunity to possess material from known extraterrestrial locations. Within this category, rare outliers like NWA 16128—an ungrouped achondrite and dunite breccia—serve as unique messengers from worlds that stand outside of established classifications. As a dunite, this specimen is composed predominantly of olivine, representing the deep mantle layers of a differentiated planetary body. For the collector and the scientist alike, achondrites offer an elegant window into the geological diversity of space, representing a finite and scientifically important resource for understanding our cosmic neighborhood.
Northwest Africa 16181 | LL3
Carbonaceous chondrite, LL3
Found in Errachidia, Morocco 2023
A singular stone was purchased from a Moroccan dealer in Errachidia, Morocco by Aerolite’s president, Elizabeth. Upon inspection, the meteorite was classified as an LL3. These chondrites are the rarest of the ordinary chondrites; the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) sent a spacecraft, the Hayabusa, on a return sample mission to an asteroid, called Itokawa, that turned out to be of the LL chondrite type.
Scientists theorize that during this event, fragments from the L chondrite parent body — believed to have been destroyed about 468 million years ago — that had made it into Earth-crossing orbits rained down on Earth. This event may have contributed to, or even instigated, the Great Ordovician Biodiversification Event, one of the greatest evolutionary events in the history of life on Earth; it spanned the entire globe and saw vast increases in the variety of types of creatures that inhabited this planet.
Northwest Africa 16242 | CV3
Carbonaceous chondrite (CV3)
Purchased in Erfoud Morocco, 2023
The NWA 16242 meteorite is a single stone, broken in two. Fitting together like a puzzle, the interior of this rare CV3 shows large and abundant calcium-aluminum-inclusions, or CAIs, distinctive to this type of space rock.
Rare and very ancient, some CV3 meteorites have been shown to contain water, carbon, and even amino acids, suggesting they may have brought the building blocks of life to Earth. As in this specimen, the CV3 sub-group often displays beautiful chondrules (small, glassy spheres) that formed 4.6 billion years ago. CV3s also show large chondrules, but little alteration, meaning they have survived, largely unchanged, since the birth of our solar system.
No available products in this category at the moment.
Northwest Africa 17418 | Diogenite
Achondrite, Diogenite
Found in Ksar Ghilane, Tunisia, 2024
NWA 17418: A Volcanic Relic from a Differentiated World
NWA 17418 is a remarkable diogenite, an igneous meteorite that originated from the deep crustal layers of a differentiated planetary body. Classified as part of the HED (Howardite-Eucrite-Diogenite) group, this specimen is a volcanic rock that crystallized slowly deep beneath the surface of a large asteroid. While the HED clan has historically been linked directly to the giant asteroid 4 Vesta, modern research—led by institutions like the Lunar and Planetary Laboratory—suggests that NWA 17418 may have originated from Vesta or one of the many "Vesta-like" protoplanets that existed in the early solar system.
Recovered in 2024, this recent find offers a rare window into the internal geological activity of a long-lost world. Composed almost entirely of coarse-grained orthopyroxene crystals, NWA 17418 showcases a distinct, crystalline texture that is characteristic of rocks formed under intense heat and pressure. With a total known mass of approximately 2,360 grams, it is a significant find for collectors who appreciate the deep-space "pedigree" of HED meteorites. Whether it was born from Vesta itself or a destroyed "Vesta-like" sibling, NWA 17418 stands as a pristine witness to the violent volcanic history of our solar system.
Northwest Africa 17875 | LL3
Ordinary Chondrite, LL3
October, 2024 Mauritania
A Primitive Messenger from the Mauritanian Sahara
Northwest Africa 17875 was acquired in 2024 from a Mauritanian dealer. As an LL chondrite, it belongs to the "low-low" iron group, containing the minimum amount of metallic iron found in ordinary chondrites. This specific stone is a beautiful example of an unequilibrated specimen, meaning it has remained largely unchanged by heat or pressure since it first formed in the solar nebula. Because of its excellent preservation in the arid Saharan climate, NWA 17875 provides a clear, high-contrast look at the ancient silicate structures that defined our early planetary neighborhood.
The Visual Excellence of an LL3 Classification
The "3" in the NWA 17875 classification signifies its status as a Type 3 chondrite, prized for possessing well-formed and distinct chondrules. According to the Meteoritical Bulletin, this stone is characterized by closely packed, relatively large chondrules with an average apparent diameter of 680 µm. These "cosmic spheres" are set within a sparse, fine-grained, opaque matrix, creating a dramatic visual texture that is appealing to discerning collectors. The internal structure of this LL3 meteorite is a brilliant showcase of the primitive, chaotic energy of the early asteroid belt, captured in a dark and mysterious stony matrix.
Northwest Africa 17876 | Diogenite
Achondrite, Diogenite
Found in Northwest Africa, 2024
Diogenites could just be one of the most fascinating rock types in existence and they are thought to be of plutonic origin. In both terrestrial and extraterrestrial geology, plutonic rocks are intrusive igneous rocks. That means they were once lava, but instead of being thrown out by a volcano and cooling on the surface, they cooled slowly underground. Slow cooling means they had time to grow large crystals which are often green in color.
Diogenites take their name from the Greek philosopher Diogenes of Apollonia. Diogenes lived in the Fifth Century B.C.E. in Thrace and in Athens and he believed that the universe was a constant, vast living substance and that our atmosphere was part of it and intelligent and, as such, was the source of all being. Sherlock Holmes fans will remember that Sherlock’s mysterious older brother, Mycroft, was co-founder of an equally mysterious gentleman’s association called The Diogenes Club.
The other Vesta meteorite types — howardites and eucrites — journeyed to Earth from that giant asteroid’s surface, but diogenites are different. They originated deep underground and were delivered here on because of the catastrophic meteorite impacts that occurred on Vesta in the distant past. Diogenites are cooled crystalline magma (or lava), excavated from deep inside Vesta by a meteorite impact so tremendous, it blasted right through the crust to the interior of our largest asteroid. The excavated material was expelled into space and some of it eventually landed on Earth as diogenite meteorites.
Northwest Africa 18030 | OC3
Ordinary Chondrite, Type 3
Northwest Africa, April 2024
A Rare "OC3" Discovery: A Taxonomic Orphan
Northwest Africa 18030 is a documented taxonomic orphan within the Meteoritical Bulletin. Officially classified as an OC3, it is an approved meteorite holding the rare "Ordinary Chondrite, type 3 (ungrouped)" designation. Purchased in 2024 from a Mauritanian dealer, this stone features a dark, nearly black interior filled with well-defined gray chondrules. NWA 18030 is a distinct specimen because its oxygen isotopes and mineral composition stand entirely outside the standard H, L, or LL families, representing a cosmic lineage that awaits the discovery of additional "siblings" to eventually form its own official group.
Unique Mineralogy and Amoeboid Inclusions
The scientific profile of NWA 18030 reveals a level of complexity that falls outside standard classification. The stone is characterized by small, unequilibrated chondrules averaging just 320 µm and rare, fine-grained amoeboid objects—features that are highly unusual for ordinary chondrites. According to the Meteoritical Bulletin, it contains anorthitic plagioclase, spinel, and Al-Ti-diopside, minerals typically inconsistent with common chondrite groups. These unique inclusions, combined with its supra-TFL oxygen isotopic composition, make NWA 18030 a vital specimen for researchers and advanced collectors seeking outliers of solar system history.
Northwest Africa 4502 | CV3
Carbonaceous chondrite, CV3
Found in Algeria, 2005
With its shiny black exterior and dark brown interior, punctuated by large orange chondrules, this interesting carbonaceous chondrite looks very atypical from most members of its group. Classified by T. Bunch and J. Wittke it is officially described in the Meteoritical Bulletin has having “well-defined chondrules, chondrule fragments, and refractory inclusions set in a slightly weathered matrix.” Our full slices, half stones, and end cuts have been highly polished on a diamond lap to show 4502’s intriguing interior features in the best possible light. With its colorful undifferentiated chondrules, 4502 is a glimpse back to the formation of our solar system, over 4.6 billion years ago.
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Northwest Africa 5950 | CV3
Carbonaceous chondrite, CV3
Found in Northwest Africa, 2009
(name provisional)
Carbonaceous chondrites are a rare and scientifically important group of stone meteorites. As Buseck and Hua stated so intriguingly in their 1993 paper: “They are nebular leftovers and thus invaluable recorders of some of the oldest and best kept secrets … of the solar system.” In other words, carbonaceous chondrite meteorites carry within them the last traces — sometimes in the form of tiny diamonds — of extremely ancient and long-vanished suns or planets that pre-dated our own solar system by billions of years. As such, carbonaceous chondrite meteorites contain the oldest materials that any human has ever encountered.
Northwest Africa 7454 | CV3
Carbonaceous chondrite, CV3
Found in Northwest Africa, 2012
A kaleidoscope of chondrules! The colorful, rounded grains clearly visible in NWA 7454 are chondrules that formed in the solar nebula 4.6 billion years ago, as our solar system was being built. These tiny glass spheres hold within them a key to understanding how the rocky bodies of the solar system — including our very own home planet Earth — were born.
Northwest Africa 7457 | L5-melt breccia
Ordinary Chondrite, L5-melt breccia
Found in Northwest Africa 2011
Described by A. Irving and S. Kuehner, at the University of Washington as clasts of L5 chondrite material containing sparse chondrules are present within a shock-darkened matrix containing ragged, variably-sized grains of Fe-Ni metal. Olivine, orthopyroxene, clinopyroxene, sodic plagioclase, chromite, altered kamacite and troilite.
And containing: Olivine (Fa25.3-25.4), orthopyroxene (Fs20.2-20.6Wo1.3-1.4), clinopyroxene (Fs7.4-8.1Wo45.1-43.7).
Northwest Africa 7678 | CV3
Carbonaceous Chondrite, CV3
Found in Northwest Africa 2012
Northwest Africa 7678 stone meteorite was acquired from a meteorite dealer in Morocco in 20212. It was classified at the Institute of Meteoritics in Albuquerque. Extraordinary chondrule density and color makes this lovely, and very affordable, stone one of the alluring examples of a carbonaceous chondrite meteorites on the market.
Northwest Africa 869 | L3-6
Ordinary chondrite, L3–6
Found in Northwest Africa, 2000
The enigmatic Northwest Africa (NWA) 869 meteorite, found in the year 2000 is, geologically one of the more interesting stone meteorites available to collectors and has been described as a “meteorite science classroom in a single rock.” NWA 869 comes with a highly unusual classification, L 3–6, meaning it exhibits characteristics of different meteorite types (L3 through L6) within a single mass. It is almost as if dissimilar materials were crushed together into a new form. And, in fact, that may be exactly what happened.
NWA 869 is a regolith breccia. A regolith is a loose deposit that lies on top of solid rock. Regoliths are seen here on Earth, on the moon, and also on some asteroids. A terrestrial Earth regolith might form as a result of several different actions working together: the weathering of rock by freeze/thaw process, or wind abrasion, for example, and often in combination with plant roots expanding cracks in the rock. There is no wind on the moon, and — we assume — no plants on the asteroids, so extraterrestrial regoliths must be generated by very different processes: likely the repeated impact of meteorites upon the surface of an asteroid, or the collision of asteroids. This regolith breccia is, therefore, believed to be a mix of materials from many sources (meteorites / asteroids) that formed in space and later landed here on Earth, bringing its apocalyptic history with it. In other words, meteorites landing on the surface of NWA 869s parent body (its original “home” asteroid) created a new mixture of materials. So, the meteorite NWA 869 may actually be a collection of many different meteorites in one!
Northwest Africa 8743 | Eucrite Melt-Breccia
Impact and Evolution: The Eucrite-Melt Breccia
Eucrite-melt breccias are unique achondrites that provide a visual and chemical record of the intense energy found in the early solar system. Originating from the basaltic crust of the giant asteroid 4 Vesta, or a similar Vesta-like body, these meteorites are formed through high-velocity impact events. These collisions generate sufficient heat to melt portions of the asteroid's surface, creating a complex mixture of light-colored basaltic fragments (clasts) suspended within a dark, shock-melted matrix. The study of these specimens allows researchers to reconstruct the violent history of impacts that have shaped the surfaces of differentiated asteroids over billions of years.
A Subtle Witness to Cosmic Collisions
Within this category, specimens like NWA 8743 offer an elegant look at the delicate balance between ancient igneous rock and solidified melt. These eucrite-melt breccias are prized for their intricate internal textures, often featuring diverse clasts of pyroxene and plagioclase set against a mysterious, fine-grained matrix. For those collectors who appreciate the quiet drama of cosmic history, these breccias represent an enduring snapshot of the dynamic forces that once defined our planetary neighborhood.
Norton County
Achondrite, Aubrite
Witnessed Fall in Norton County, Kansas United States, 1948
The Norton County fireball terrified animals and people, with colossal explosions and an "angry white cloud" in the sky. This rare aubrite, with bright white interior, crash landed to Earth in Kansas at 3:56 p.m. on February 18th, 1948. Meteorite hunters traced the probable fall, but unfortunately, had to leave the area because of snowfall. They left notes with the locals upon their departure. It wasn't until April 6th that pieces were recovered by a farmer. He reported it sparkled "like a million diamonds."
July 3rd, farmers nearly drove a tractor into an 8' diameter x 10' deep hole. They found a massive, beautifully oriented, meteorite at the bottom of it. The landowner put the stone up for auction, and the University of New Mexico was the high bidder.
The 2,360-lb main mass is now the centerpiece of the Institute of Meteoritics museum at UNM Albuquerque. These unusual historic specimens come directly from IOM/UNM and display original collection numbers from the institute. They are still listed in the UNM catalog. You can verify this by visiting the UNM collection page and searching for “Achondrite”, “Achondrite Groupings”, “All Achondrite Groups”, and “All Brecciation Types” for Norton County.
THE INSTITUTE OF METEORITICS COLLECTION FROM UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO
Nuevo Mercurio Meteorite
Olivine-bronzite, H5
Witnessed fall in Zacatecas, Mexico, on December 15, 1978
The sound of the tempest, bone-shattering roars of a bolide thundered over the cold skies above north-central Mexico at 1850 hrs. on December 15, 1978. The brilliant spectacle could be seen as far as 200 kilometers away as it rained several meteorites in a large 10-kilometer ellipsis a little ways north of the (no-longer-sleeping) village of Nuevo Mercurio. Today, the Nuevo Mercurio meteorite strewnfield has produced over 300 individual stones totaling up to about 50 kilograms. This olivine-bronzite chondrite boasts a lasting bold fusion crust and carries with it a reminder of the New Year's gift of a jolting clap from the cosmos.
Nuevo Mercurio Meteorite For Sale
Punggur
Ordinary chondrite, H7-melt breccia
Witnessed fall Lampung, Indonesia, 28 Jan 2021
At 9:53 pm local time (14:53 UTC) on 28 January 2021, residents in southern Sumatra heard loud booms that shook their houses. The sonic boom was registered by the Indonesia Tsunami Early Warning System (InaTEWS). Eyewitnesses report the bolide was traveling in a W/NW direction. A 2.2 kg stone crashed through the roof of a house in the Punggur district (Kecamatan Punggur), Central Lampung, Sumatra at 5°00’22.4"S 105°16’11.9"E. The stone embedded itself in the soil beside the house. Residents of the village submerged this mass in water, believing the water to have healing properties. That same night in neighboring Gunung Sugih village (5°0’35.1518"S 105°13’13.9019"E) a woman found a ~50 g specimen that reportedly bounced off of a nearby roof. The following morning three additional masses were found: a 138 g mass that crashed through a roof and landed on a bed (4°59’46.6"S 105°14’47.6"E); a ~1700 g mass in a flooded hole in a rice paddy (4°59’56.2254"S 105°15’23.3518"E); and, a 2511 g mass was recovered from a rice paddy (4°59’50.3722"S 105°15’13.7405"E). Pieces from the ~1700 g mass were used for the classification. Further fall information and photos are found at karmaka.de. - as per the Meteoritical Bulletin
Sayh al Uhaymir 582 Meteorite
Stone, L5
Found in Oman, 2010
Stones from the Robert Ward find collection! Our long time hunting partner, and colleague, Robert has also been featured in many meteorite hunting documentaries and is an international sensation and can be seen in many online videos.
During a hunting expedition to Al Wusta Oman, Robert discovered in a small area, many large individuals and small fragments which totaled 55 kilograms in total weight! After study in the lab, they were given an official name, Sayh al Uhaymir 582 and classified as an L5, ordinary chondrite.
Sebkha el Melah 001 Meteorite
A rare aubrite, Sebkha el Melah 001 was found by Sahrawi meteorite hunters—the Sahrawi people are native to the western parts of the Sahra desert and are of Hassani Arab and Sanhaji Berber descent. The hunters came across approximately 17 kilograms of the stones in the region of “Wad Alhath” in Mali in March 2022. This region is known for its agricultural actives, which include the production of crops like millet, sorghum, and cotton.
Aubrites are achondrites (named after the type specimen, Aubres, which fell in France in 1836) known for their unique petrography. It’s believed that aubrites formed in the early stages of the solar system’s evolution, when asteroids were undergoing differentiation. Sebkha el Melah 001 in particular exhibits enstatite crystals, some of which are milky-white in color, or translucent. Remarkable!
Sidi El Habib 001
Ordinary chondrite (H5, anomalous)
Bordj Badji Mokhtar, Algeria Find, possible fall: 2020 Dec
Discovered in December 2020 in Algeria, Sidi el Habib is classified as an anomalous H5 ordinary chondrite. Of special note to collectors and academics are the intriguing grains of purple halite crystals encased within its interior. Halite crystals are extremely rare in meteorites, and are known to be found in only two other meteorites: Zag and Monahans.
Halite is a salt crystal, similar to table salt, that is typically colorless or white. However, the halite crystals in meteorites have been turned purple by radiation in space. Experts are still studying these halites and how they came to be formed in meteorites.
Studies at the University of Arizona revealed that they might have formed during early aqueous formation phases, and water trapped inside the halite crystals found in Monahans has lead them to believe that meteorites could contain water that possibly predates the sun and planets in the Solar System.
Geochemistry: (L. Garvie, ASU): Halite-bearing lithology Fa19.4±0.5, range Fa18.5-20.4, FeO/MnO=37.5±3.5, n=9; Fs16.8±0.3Wo1.46±0.08, n=14. The halite contains up to 0.1 wt% K, 0.7 wt% Fe, and 0.3 wt% Br. The sylvite contains up to 0.3 wt% Na and up to 0.1 wt% Br. The ferroan sphalerite contains between 21.1 and 23.8 wt% Fe. Light-colored clast 19.2±0.3, range 18.7-19.5, FeO/MnO=37.8±2.2, n=10; Fs16.7±0.1Wo1.44±0.08, n=12. - as per the Meteoritical Bulletin
Tana River
Ordinary Chondrite, L6
Fell December 24, 2025, at approximately 5:00 PM local time
A Christmas Eve Masterpiece: The Tana River Fall
On the late afternoon of December 24, 2025, the skies over Kenya’s Tana River County were torn asunder by a brilliant, daylight bolide. Multiple villages reported thunderous sonic booms that echoed across the landscape as the celestial visitor shattered upon atmospheric entry. Because the fall was witnessed and recovery began almost immediately, Tana River represents a pristine scientific treasure. These stones were gathered from the ground within hours of their arrival, preserving their charcoal-black fusion crust in a state of absolute freshness—a rare "Christmas Eve gift" to the world of meteoritics.
Technical Profile of a Pristine L6 Chondrite
Classified as an L6 Ordinary Chondrite, the Tana River meteorite has a high-shock history. The interior reveals a light-gray matrix with a high shock stage (S5), featuring complex shock veining and perfectly preserved minerals that have not yet been touched by terrestrial oxygen or moisture (Weathering Grade W0). This fall was officially classified by Daniel Sheikh and team, confirmed as a significant addition to the Kenya meteorite record. For collectors, Tana River for sale represents the chance to own a piece of Earth’s newest witnessed fall, possessing all the vibrancy and energy of a fresh cosmic arrival.
Taoussat-n-Amouzzour 001
Ordinary chondrite, L3
Find, possible fall: 2022 Dec 15 in Agadez, Niger
A Remarkable 2023 Discovery in Eastern Morocco
Taoussat-n-Amouzzour 001, abbreviated as TnA 001, is a find from the remote deserts of Eastern Morocco. Discovered in 2023, this meteorite represents a substantial recovery with a total known mass of 27.6 kilograms. The exterior of the stone exhibits a rich, dark brown color with surviving patches of relic fusion crust—a visual record of its high-velocity journey through Earth’s atmosphere.
The Metal-Rich Interior of an H5 Chondrite
Classified as an H5 Ordinary Chondrite, TnA 001 is a high-iron specimen characterized by a beautiful and high-contrast interior. When sliced, the meteorite reveals a light gray matrix densely populated with shimmering nickel-iron metal and well-developed chondrules. The scientific profile indicates a recrystallized matrix typical of the type-5 chondrites, where primitive silicates have been expertly fused over billions of years. This combination of a dramatic, weathered exterior and a brilliant, metal-flecked interior makes TnA 001 an essential addition for collectors seeking a classic Saharan stony meteorite.
Tarda Meteorite
Carbonaceous chondrite, C2, ungrouped
Witnessed fall in Morocco, 2020
An extremely rare witnessed fall, Tarda met Planet Earth at 2:30 pm Moroccan time (GMT+1) Tuesday August 25, 2020 in southern Morocco. The fireball was seen by many observers and created an African sensation, with thousand of people traveling to the fall site. Some pieces were found the very next day, explaining the pristine fusion crust. There are only thirty C2s known in all meteorite history and of those, only four are witnessed falls. Tarda is ungrouped, meaning it is different from other known C2 meteorites. It “likely formed on a hydrated parent body beyond the orbit of Jupiter’ (A. King, et al). In Earth’s ancient history, did meteorites like Tarda bring the water needed for life as we know it to our young and developing world?
Tassédet 004 Meteorite
Ordinary chondrite, H5, melt breccia
Found in Niger, 2016
Tassédet 004 meteorite also known as Tchifaddine is the seventh classified H-impact melt breccia! It is a fascinating, recently-discovered impact melt that was found near Agadez in the African nation of Niger. Whole specimens often show an unusual near-spherical shape and a rich, dark remnant fusion crust. Prepared specimens display extraordinary amounts of nickel-iron flecks, and larger slices sometimes contain metal and/or shock viens, and blebs. A unique and visually intriguing newer find that is sure to delight collectors.
Tassédet 004 Meteorite For Sale
Tatahouine Meteorite
Achondrite, Diogenite
Fell in Tunisia, June 27, 1931
The Tatahouine meteorite is a witnessed fall that crash landed on Earth June 27, 1931. “Tatooine” is also the name of the fictional home planet of Luke Skywalker in the “Star Wars” films. The Tatahouine meteorite is a diogenite, which is part of the HED class of meteorites believed to have originated from asteroid 4 Vesta.
Thika Meteorite
Ordinary chondrite, L6
Witnessed fall in 16 July 2011 in Kiambu County, Kenya
Thuathe Stone Meteorite
Ordinary chondrite, H4/5
Witnessed fall in Lesotho, July 2002
Thuathe (pronounced “too – ahh – tey”) is a desirable witnessed fall that fell in Lestho on July 21, 2002. Lesotho is a country surrounded by South Africa and known as the “Kingdom in the Sky” due to its high altitude. It was the inspiration behind Wakanda, the fictional country in the 2018 film “Black Panther.”
Eyewitnesses reported seeing dust trails of “sparking objects” over Lesotho at approximately 15:45 local time. One or more stones were reported to have landed on, or near, villagers’ huts in the area, and pieces were picked up almost immediately after the fall, from an elliptical strewn field. A student from the local community brought a piece of the meteorite to the geology department at the University of the Free State in South Africa. Thuathe is the first reported meteorite from Lesotho and therefore presents a unique, ongoing research opportunity.
An H4/H5, Thuathe is an ordinary chondrite; H type chondrites likely originate from asteroid 6 Hebe, or from small near-Earth asteroids that had, in the past, broken off from 6 Hebe. Other, less likely parent body candidates include 3 Juno and 7 Iris. Thuathe stones exhibit black fusion crust, relatively small chondrules, and high iron abundance. The total known weight of Thuathe meteorites is relatively low at approximately 30kg,
Tsarev Meteorite
Olivine-hypersthene chondrite, L5
Witnessed Fall Near Tsarev village, Volgograd district, USSR. 48°42’N., 45°42’E.
December 6, 1922, 0700 hrs, found 1968, recognized 1979.
1968 was a year marked by a worldwide escalation of conflict; however, in a small village in Volgograd Oblast–the primary site of the Battle of Stalingrad during World War II, one of the largest and bloodiest battles in history–a remarkable discovery was made in the quiet fields near the rural village of Tsarev.
“Tsarev,” which translates to czar, is a stone meteorite that resulted in one of the largest meteorite showers in Russian history. The meteorite shower happened on December 6, 1922, though the stones were not found until 1968. The mineral composition of Tsarev is consistent with that of ordinary chondrites: olivine, orthopyroxene, clinopyroxene, maskelynite, calcium phosphates, nickel-iron, troilite, chromite, ilmenite, and rutile.
Academic samples of the Tsarev meteorite reveal large grains of nickel-iron, light grey areas with a well-preserved chondritic texture, and dark areas containing a matrix with olivine grains and a relics of chondrules. Though its parent body remains unknown, experts suspect the meteorite may have originated on or near the surface of the body.
Viñales Meteorite
Ordinary chondrite, L6
Witnessed fall in Cuba, February 2019
Viñales is a witnessed meteorite fall, one of the rarest natural phenomena that human beings experience. A bolide – a large meteor or a fireball – was seen falling across the sky over the province of Pinar Del Rió in Cuba on February 1, 2019 at approximately 1:17 pm local time. The meteorite’s fiery entry into Earth’s atmosphere came with several sonic booms and caused the ground to rumble, which led local residents to believe a plane had crashed.
The resulting meteor shower fell on Viñales Valley, a forested area and a UNESCO world heritage site. Traditional methods of agriculture have survived there for hundreds of years, along with rich cultural elements like architecture, crafts, and music. Here, local residents and meteorite hunters recovered meteorite individuals that had penetrated the ground, broken through asphalt roads, or landed on rooftops.
Viñales individuals are notable for their deep black fusion crust; the stones’ light grey interior can be seen where the crust has broken in the meteorites’ traverse through the atmosphere to Earth. Some individuals display reddish smears of laterite clay, which is rich in iron and aluminum. When sliced, Viñales exhibits striking, dark shock veins and visible chondrules, melt rock inclusions, and grains of troilite, kamacite, and other minerals. Several specimens were collected for scientific research, leaving plenty of stone individuals available for collectors and enthusiasts who hope to share in the discoveries that are sure to be made about this exquisite space rock.
Zag Meteorite
Ordinary chondrite, H3-6
Witnessed fall in Western Sahara, August 1998
The Zag meteorite has a remarkable history. The fireball which produced it was witnessed by nomads in the Western Sahara. There was some debate as to the actual date, which is why the fall is described as ”August 4 or 5.” The nomads found the fall site, and packed the stone meteorites out of the desert on the backs of their camels. Nomads broke one of the large pieces up to see what was inside, hence the fragments.
Zag is interesting for other reasons that its colorful recovery story. It is believed to have originated on the asteroid 6 Hebe, is one of the very few meteorites to exhibit slickenside and recent research has also shown that it contains water! Only a tiny handful of meteorite specimens boast such a colorful and fascinating history. The Zag meteorite gives us a distance glimpse of the forces and processes at work in our solar system. (Please note that Zag includes comparatively small amounts of water that were measured by sophisticated lab equipment. Water is not visible to the naked eye.)
A witnessed fall is a meteorite whose arrival on our planet was seen and documented by credible observers. Witnessed falls are very rare, and are highly prized by collectors. Slickenside is a geological term used to describe a polished face on a rock, created when two adjacent masses move against each other for a prolonged period of time. While fairly commonplace on earth, slickenside is extremely rare in meteorites, and shows us that some of the processes at work on astral bodies such as large asteroids, are very similar to those which occur on our home planet Earth. Zag and Carancas are two of the very few meteorites which show slickenside, and the dark surfaces are sometimes mistaken for fusion crust.
Zhob Meteorite
Ordinary Chondrite, H3-4
Witnessed fall in Baluchistan, Pakistan, January 2020, 31°22’N, 69°34’E
A rare witnessed fall out of Baluchistan, Pakistan, a province known for its unique culture and extremely dry desert climate. It’s also home to the Princess of Hope, a natural rock formation resembling a woman looking out beyond the horizon, named by actress Angelina Jolie when she visited the area in 2002.
On the evening of February 23, 2020, a fireball was seen streaking over the northern part of the province, followed by several sonic booms. The falling stones showered a local village in the Zhob district, with one stone striking and falling through a house located in the area. Goat herders would find the largest stone collected; most Zhob stones, of which there have been four to date, display shallow regmaglypts and a rich, matte black fusion crust. The interior of Zhob reveals a light-grey matrix sporting a breccia of light-colored clasts.
