NWA Sliced Meteorite Genuine Common Chondrite from Sahara Desert Authentic Space Rock – Real Meteorite Slice with COA

NWA Sliced Meteorite – Authentic Common Chondrite from the Sahara Desert

This outstanding NWA Sliced Meteorite is a genuine Common Chondrite from the Northwest Africa (NWA) region, discovered in the vast Sahara Desert. Each slice has been expertly cut and polished to reveal its internal matrix — a stunning blend of metal grains, chondrules, and silicate structures that date back over 4.5 billion years, to the very origins of our Solar System. The specimen shown in the photographs is the exact meteorite slice you will receive, not a stock image.

Scientific Classification and Composition

The NWA Common Chondrite belongs to the broad category of Ordinary Chondrites, which make up around 87% of all meteorite falls on Earth. Most specimens from this region are classified as L5 or H5 ordinary chondrites, indicating moderate thermal metamorphism on their parent asteroid. The “L” and “H” denote the level of metallic iron content — L (low) and H (high) respectively — while the “5” signifies a high degree of metamorphic recrystallisation that partially blends the original chondrules into the matrix.

Typical mineral components include olivine (Mg,Fe)₂SiO₄, orthopyroxene (Mg,Fe)SiO₃, plagioclase feldspar, troilite (FeS), and nickel-iron metal. These minerals are remnants of primordial dust and molten droplets that condensed directly from the solar nebula before the formation of planets. Their distribution and structure offer scientists a glimpse into the earliest processes of planetary differentiation and accretion.

Under magnification, the interior of the NWA Chondrite reveals its distinct chondritic texture, composed of spherical chondrules set within a fine-grained, partially recrystallised matrix. The visible metallic flecks shimmer against a grey-brown stony background, while subtle impact veins — caused by ancient asteroid collisions — record its turbulent cosmic history.

Discovery and Provenance

The Northwest Africa (NWA) designation applies to meteorites found across the arid deserts of Algeria, Morocco, and Mauritania, where low moisture and stable burial conditions have preserved them exceptionally well. The NWA meteorite fields are among the world’s richest sources of extraterrestrial material, yielding many scientifically important specimens since the late 20th century.

This particular chondrite was recovered by local finders and later identified through professional classification, confirming its extraterrestrial origin. The desert’s natural dryness prevents rapid oxidation, allowing these meteorites to retain their metallic content and characteristic fusion crust when present.

Geological and Petrological Details

Chondrites like NWA were never part of a large differentiated planet. Instead, they represent primitive material that has remained largely unchanged since the Solar System’s birth. The rock records the processes of thermal metamorphism and brecciation, where repeated impacts compacted and heated the material within its parent asteroid. Many slices exhibit shock veins, nickel-iron blebs, and fine silicate inclusions — hallmarks of impact events that shaped their evolution over billions of years.

In terms of shock stage, most NWA common chondrites fall between S3 and S4, showing moderate deformation textures without complete melting. Weathering grade often ranges from W2 to W4, meaning mild oxidation that produces natural desert patina tones of brown, ochre, or grey across the matrix.

Authenticity and Presentation

All of our meteorites are 100% genuine specimens and include a Certificate of Authenticity, verifying their identification and origin. Each meteorite has been individually photographed — the specimen shown is the exact slice you will receive. The scale cube equals 1cm, and full sizing can be seen in the accompanying image for reference.

A Window into the Early Solar System

Owning an NWA Common Chondrite Meteorite allows you to hold a piece of cosmic history that predates the Earth itself. These meteorites are invaluable not only to collectors but also to educators, geologists, and anyone fascinated by the story of our planet’s formation. Each slice embodies 4.5 billion years of interstellar history — a tangible relic of the dust, fire, and impact that forged our Solar System.

This authentic NWA Sliced Meteorite is both a scientifically significant and visually captivating specimen, making it an exceptional addition to any meteorite, fossil, or natural history collection.