Meteorite | Ordinary Chondrite | Unclassified NWA

This stony meteorite (an unclassified NWA ordinary chondrite) was formed during our early solar system, dating back roughly 4.56 billion years, making it older than the Earth itself. It consists primarily of silicate minerals mixed with tiny, dispersed grains of nickel-iron metal—the original raw material that built the rocky planets.

Its dark, distinctive exterior was formed as the meteor hurtled through our upper atmosphere at thousands of miles per hour - intense atmospheric friction superheating its outer layer. This process, known as ablation, melted the exterior to create a dark, leathery fusion crust complete with a dimpled, pitted texture. This specimen also features a remarkably smooth, distinct face—the direct result of the parent meteoroid exploding under extreme air pressure high in Earth's upper atmosphere. When the rock split mid-flight, this newly exposed inner surface was flash-melted by friction, creating a smooth, dark "secondary fusion crust" as it completed its descent to the desert floor.

What does "Unclassified NWA Ordinary Chondrite" mean?

The name breaks down the rock's identity and origin: "NWA" stands for Northwest Africa, referring to the Sahara Desert region where this specimen was recovered. It is an "Ordinary Chondrite"—the most common and famous class of stony meteorites—named for the tiny, sphere-like mineral droplets (chondrules) trapped inside that formed directly in the early solar nebula. Finally, "Unclassified" simply means this specific stone was acquired directly from prospectors and kept in its raw, complete state, rather than being cut up and sent to an academic laboratory for formal entry into the official scientific registry.

This meteorite comes on a display stand, as picture, and makes for a beautiful display piece. It will also be accompanied by a label which can be kept with the specimen, detailing its classification and orign.

This is genuine meteorite. All the specimens we offer come with a lifetime authenticity guarantee.

Size: 5.19 x 3.25 x 1.5 inch | Class: Ordinary Chondrite | Origin: North West Africa