NWA Sliced Meteorite Genuine Common Chondrite from Northwest Africa Authentic Space Rock – Real Meteorite Slice with COA

NWA Sliced Meteorite – Authentic Common Chondrite from Northwest Africa

This beautiful NWA Sliced Meteorite is a genuine Common Chondrite from the Northwest Africa (NWA) meteorite fields, discovered in the expansive Sahara Desert. Carefully sliced and polished to reveal its intricate interior, this specimen offers a rare window into the formation of our Solar System over 4.5 billion years ago. The meteorite shown in the photographs is the exact specimen you will receive, and the scale cube equals 1cm for accurate size reference. Every feature of this remarkable space rock tells the story of its cosmic journey from asteroid belt to Earth.

Scientific Classification and Mineral Composition

This meteorite is classified as a Common Chondrite, part of the Ordinary Chondrite (OC) family – the most abundant type of meteorite found on Earth. Ordinary Chondrites are fragments of ancient, undifferentiated asteroids that never melted, preserving the Solar System’s original mineral composition.

Most NWA meteorites of this kind fall within the L5–6 or H5 classification range. The “L” and “H” denote low and high metal content, while the numbers “5” and “6” refer to their metamorphic grade, describing how the rock’s minerals recrystallised under heat on the parent asteroid.

Its mineral composition includes:

• Olivine [(Mg,Fe)₂SiO₄] – the main silicate mineral, giving chondrites their greenish-grey tones.

• Orthopyroxene [(Mg,Fe)SiO₃] – a magnesium-iron silicate forming part of the crystalline structure.

• Plagioclase Feldspar – developed through metamorphism, contributing a light, reflective sparkle.

• Troilite (FeS) and Nickel-Iron Metal – appearing as metallic specks or veins throughout the matrix.

Under light, the cut surface reveals chondrules — small, spherical grains formed from molten silicate droplets in the solar nebula before the planets existed. The surrounding fine-grained matrix and metallic inclusions create a fascinating, visually rich cross-section of early planetary material.

Petrology, Shock Stage, and Weathering

The NWA Common Chondrite displays evidence of its dynamic cosmic history through its brecciated texture, impact veins, and subtle metallic sheen. These features developed through billions of years of collisions within the asteroid belt.

Its shock stage, typically between S3 and S4, indicates moderate deformation caused by intense asteroid impacts without full melting. The weathering grade, often around W2–W4, reflects minimal oxidation from long exposure to the desert environment after its fall to Earth. Despite this, the meteorite retains exceptional structural integrity and strong metallic luster, attesting to its excellent preservation.

Discovery and Provenance

The Northwest Africa (NWA) meteorite fields, spanning countries such as Morocco, Algeria, and Mauritania, have become one of the most important sources of extraterrestrial material in modern science. These meteorites are discovered by desert nomads and later verified by classification laboratories for authenticity and petrologic details.

The Sahara’s dry, wind-swept environment provides ideal conditions for meteorite preservation, allowing these space rocks to remain intact for millennia. Many specimens from this region exhibit minimal terrestrial alteration, retaining their cosmic features and composition nearly as they were in space.

Authenticity and Presentation

All of our meteorites are 100% genuine specimens and are accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity, confirming their identification and provenance. Each piece has been carefully chosen for its aesthetic appeal, scientific value, and quality of preservation. The meteorite pictured is the exact specimen you will receive, photographed under natural light to showcase its detail and texture.

A Genuine Piece of Cosmic History

Owning an NWA Sliced Common Chondrite Meteorite means holding a piece of the early Solar System in your hands. This ancient stone contains the same primordial material that formed planets, moons, and asteroids over four billion years ago. Every visible chondrule, metal flake, and fusion vein captures the energy and mystery of our universe’s beginnings.

Whether you are a serious collector, educator, or admirer of natural wonders, this authentic meteorite slice represents an extraordinary opportunity to own a timeless relic from space — a true cosmic treasure forged in the birth of our Solar System.