8018

NWA 869 Chondrite Meteorite Matched Pair

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:NA Estimated At:200.00 - 400.00 USD
NWA 869 Chondrite Meteorite Matched Pair

Bidding Over

The auction is over for this lot.
The auctioneer wasn't accepting online bids for this lot.

Contact the auctioneer for information on the auction results.

Search for other lots to bid on...
Auction Date:2019 May 29 @ 18:00 (UTC-5 : EST/CDT)
Location:15th Floor WeWork, Boston, Massachusetts, 02108, United States
ALS - Autograph Letter Signed
ANS - Autograph Note Signed
AQS - Autograph Quotation Signed
AMQS - Autograph Musical Quotation Signed
DS - Document Signed
FDC - First Day Cover
Inscribed - “Personalized”
ISP - Inscribed Signed Photograph
LS - Letter Signed
SP - Signed Photograph
TLS - Typed Letter Signed
Attractive Northwest Africa (NWA) 869 chondrite (L3–6) meteorite, nicely cut into two matching halves with both faces polished. As a whole, the matched pair weighs 102.1 grams and measures approximately 66 mm x 32 mm x 31 mm. The exterior shows a weathered fusion crust, and the interior shows abundant multi-colored chondrules and brecciation. Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity signed by Geoff Notkin of Aerolite Meteorites Inc. and the TV show Meteorite Men, as well as a specimen identification card.

Born by fire, Northwest Africa 869 is one of the most fascinating meteorites available to collectors. It has a highly unusual classification, L 3-6, meaning it shows characteristics of different meteorite types within the same mass. NWA 869 is a breccia—a rock made up of fragments of other rocks that have been compressed or cemented together. The most likely explanation for the formation of this mosaic-like mixture of space material is the collision of asteroid, millions or billions of years ago, somewhere in the void between Mars and Jupiter. NWA 869 illustrates the monumental processes at work in the solar system and its diverse and fascinating structure means it is sometimes described as 'an entire meteorite classroom in a single rock.'