Description: NWA 16876 Meteorite Write-Up **Classification**: Ordinary Chondrite (L6 Melt Breccia) **Weight**: 170.0 grams **Description**: NWA 16876 is a visually striking endcut meteorite that displays both a polished surface and a brecciated exterior. This specimen serves as an exemplary representation of an L6 melt breccia, characterized by its intricate texture and formation history. --- Petrography The analysis conducted by A. Irving from the University of Washington and J. Boesenberg from Brown University reveals that NWA 16876 consists of small lithic chondrite clasts embedded within a melt-textured matrix. The chondrite clasts are primarily recrystallized, maintaining only remnant portions of their original chondrules. These clasts are accompanied by accessory minerals, including kamacite, which has been extensively altered to iron oxides, chromite, troilite, and sodic plagioclase, with grains measuring up to approximately 200 m. The melt rock matrix is composed of a mixture of glass, very fine-grained olivine and pyroxene, along with blebby metal and troilite. Larger mineral fragments are also entrained within the matrix. Notably, the shock stage of the clasts is classified as S3, indicating they have undergone significant shock deformation. --- History NWA 16876 was purchased in April 2024 by collector Matthew Stream from a dealer based in Warren, Ohio. This dealer had acquired the meteorite from a source in Morocco or Algeria, regions known for their rich meteorite finds. --- Understanding Melt Breccias Melt breccias, such as NWA 16876, are formed through the impact processes that occur on planetary bodies. When a meteoroid collides with a surface, it can generate intense heat and pressure, melting surrounding rocks and causing fragmentation. The resultant melt pools and fragments can combine, leading to a complex mixture of materials within a single specimen. In the case of L6 melt breccias, the L signifies a specific level of metallic iron and an overall composition rich in silicate minerals, while the number 6 corresponds to a specific degree of thermal metamorphism. The melting process can result in the alteration of existing minerals, the formation of glass, and the incorporation of surrounding materials, creating a breccia with unique textural and chemical properties. The presence of various mineral phases, such as the aforementioned olivine, pyroxene, and metal, provides insights into the thermal history and formation conditions of the meteorite. --- In summary, NWA 16876 is not only a captivating specimen for collectors but also offers valuable scientific insights into the processes that shaped its formation, mirroring events that have occurred throughout the history of our solar system. Its unique characteristics make it a noteworthy addition to any meteorite collection.
Price: 399 USD
Location: Riverside, California
End Time: 2024-12-15T06:16:20.000Z
Shipping Cost: N/A USD
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All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
