The Planet MercuryThis spectacular image taken in October 2008 is one of the first to be returned of the Planet Mercury from the MESSENGER space probe
Date: 06/06/2009
This spectacular image taken in October 2008 is one of the first to be returned of the Planet Mercury from the MESSENGER space probe
NWA 4590 - Tamassint - Original StonesThese Angrite stones are believed to have come from a planet-sized body such as Mercury! - image courtesy Greg Hupé
Date: 06/06/2009
FEATURED: NWA 4590 - Tamassint - .024 gramsOur sample is from the NWA 4590 group of stones which only weigh 212.8 grams in total - it could potentially be a piece of mercury!
Date: 06/06/2009
NWA 4590 - "Tamassint" - .024 grams
NWA 2999 - Original StonesThese Angrite stones are also believed to have come from a planet-sized body such as Mercury! - image courtesy Greg Hupé
Date: 06/09/2009
These Angrite stones are also believed to have come from a planet-sized body such as Mercury! - image courtesy Greg Hupé
FEATURED: NWA 2999 - .844 gramsOur sample is from the NWA 2999 group of stones which only weigh 392 grams in total - it could potentially be a piece of mercury!
Date: 06/09/2009
Our sample is from the NWA 2999 group of stones which only weigh 392 grams in total - it could potentially be a piece of mercury!
FEATURED: NWA 2999 - .844 gramsA new study - submitted to Meteoritics and Planetary Science - predicts that up to 5% of debris from Mercury reaches Earth — less than half of the delivery rate of meteorites from Mars
Date: 06/09/2009
A new study - submitted to Meteoritics and Planetary Science - predicts that up to 5% of debris from Mercury reaches Earth — less than half of the delivery rate of meteorites from Mars
Searching for a MeteoriteAll meteorites found, reported to be found, or purchased in Morocco and adjacent parts of the surrounding countries are named according to special rules - "finds" are sequentially numbered - NWA 001 was this first to use this naming rule
Date: 09/05/2009
All meteorites found, reported to be found, or purchased in Morocco and adjacent parts of the surrounding countries are named according to special rules - "finds" are sequentially numbered - NWA 001 was this first to use this naming rule
NWA 001 - .900 grams First NWAOur slice of this "historical" meteorite (from a naming perspective) has been classified as a rather non-unique L6 chondrite
Date: 09/05/2009
Our slice of this "historical" meteorite (from a naming perspective) has been classified as a rather non-unique L6 chondrite
NWA 001 - .900 grams First NWAThe original stone weighed about 1.2 kilograms
Date: 09/05/2009
The original stone weighed about 1.2 kilograms
Map of AlgeriaThe NWA 869 meteorites are believed to be coming from a strewn field near Tindouf at the far western side of Algeria (it is still a secret location)
Date: 07/11/2009
The NWA 869 meteorites are believed to be coming from a strewn field near Tindouf at the far western side of Algeria (it is still a secret location)
NWA 869 - 24.5 gramsOur big end-cut is classified as an L4-6 chondrite
Date: 07/11/2009
Our big end-cut is classified as an L4-6 chondrite
NWA 869 - 24.5 gramsThe back side of the end-cut - it has a great fusion crust
Date: 01/01/2000
The back side of the end-cut - it has a great fusion crust
Algiers casbah in AlgeriaIt is very hard to estimate the TKW of NWA 869 - but it is believed to be well over 2 metric tons
Date: 07/11/2009
It is very hard to estimate the TKW of NWA 869 - but it is believed to be well over 2 metric tons
NWA 869 - 37.35 and 37.9 gramsTwo more individual stones from our collection
Date: 01/01/2000
Two more individual stones from our collection
NWA 869 - 37.35 and 37.9 gramsThese are very abundant and affordable - so almost every new meteorite collector starts out with a few NWA 869 specimens in his or her collection!
Date: 01/01/2000
These are very abundant and affordable - so almost every new meteorite collector starts out with a few NWA 869 specimens in his or her collection!
A view from Algiers in AlgeriaThe NWA 869 meteorite first started to appear on the market around 1999 to 2000
Date: 07/11/2009
The NWA 869 meteorite first started to appear on the market around 1999 to 2000
NWA 869 - 42.5 gramsAnother big end-cut which gives a good look at the matrix within the stone
Date: 07/11/2009
Another big end-cut which gives a good look at the matrix within the stone
NWA 869 - 42.5 gramsA look at the interesting crust on the exterior of this sample
Date: 01/01/2000
A look at the interesting crust on the exterior of this sample
Near Tindouf in AlgeriaThere is a good chance that someone who lives here knows where the NWA 869 strewn field is located!
Date: 07/11/2009
There is a good chance that someone who lives here knows where the NWA 869 strewn field is located!
NWA 869 - 20.76 gramsThis individual shows some signs of orientation
Date: 07/11/2009
This individual shows some signs of orientation
NWA 869 - 20.76 gramsA look at the other side which has a nice, smooth crust
Date: 07/11/2009
A look at the other side which has a nice, smooth crust
Mike PimentelMike Pimentel directed the search in Morocco which resulted in NWA 925 - photo courtesy The Meteorite Exchange
Date: 04/06/2009
Mike Pimentel directed the search in Morocco which resulted in NWA 925 - photo courtesy The Meteorite Exchange
NWA 925 - 2.4 gramsOur small slice has been classified as an H3.8 chondrite - it has lots of metal and color
Date: 01/01/2000
Our small slice has been classified as an H3.8 chondrite - it has lots of metal and color
NWA 925 - 2.4 gramsThe reverse view which shows the weathering on the crust
Date: 01/01/2000
The reverse view which shows the weathering on the crust
NWA 978 - Original StoneThis first 722 gram stone was obtained by Michael Farmer in Erfoud, Morocco in 2001 - since that time other paired stones have also been found
Date: 11/08/2009
This first 722 gram stone was obtained by Michael Farmer in Erfoud, Morocco in 2001 - since that time other paired stones have also been found
NWA 978 - 1.19 gramsOur part slice is classified as an R chondrite that is petrologic type 3.8 which is very rare - these used to be unobtainable to private collectors! - our piece is not from the Farmer stone but from another paired individual
Date: 11/08/2009
Our part slice is classified as an R chondrite that is petrologic type 3.8 which is very rare - these used to be unobtainable to private collectors! - our piece is not from the Farmer stone but from another paired individual
NWA 978 - 1.19 gramsAnother look the interior of this fascinating stone - lots of colorful chondrules!
Date: 11/08/2009
Another look the interior of this fascinating stone - lots of colorful chondrules!
ErfoudA small Oasis city in Morocco where NWA 989 was purchased
Date: 04/06/2009
Erfoud in Morocco is a small Oasis city where NWA 989 was purchased
Fluoresence Light MicroscopeNWA 2086 as seen by a Fluoresence Light Microscope
Date: 05/06/2009
NWA 2086 seen by a Fluoresence Light Microscope
NWA 2086 - 1.192 gramsIt is a carbonaceous chondrite CV3 - meaning that it has undergone the least amount of mixing and remelting since the formation of the solar system
Date: 05/06/2009
It is a carbonaceous chondrite CV3 - meaning that it has undergone the least amount of mixing and remelting since the formation of the solar system
NaturkundemuseumA sample of NWA 2481 is a part of the meteorite collection at the Naturkundemuseum in Berlin - building image courtesy of the museum
Date: 04/06/2009
A sample of NWA 2481 is a part of the meteorite collection at the Naturkundemuseum in Berlin - building image courtesy of the museum
Northern Arizona UniversityA sample of NWA 2779 is a part of the meteorite collection of Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff - image courtesy NAU
Date: 03/11/2008
A sample of NWA 2779 is a part of the meteorite collection of Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff - image courtesy NAU
Map of MoroccoNWA 2858 was purchased in Morocco - a country which has become a focal point for new finds from Africa
Date: 04/06/2009
Map of Morocco
NWA 2858 - .472 gramsAbout 2.34 kilograms of material was recovered for NWA 2858
Date: 01/01/2000
About 2.34 kilograms of material was recovered for NWA 2858
NWA 2858 - .472 gramsOur piece has been classified as an L4 chondrite
Date: 01/01/2000
Our piece has been classified as an L4 chondrite
Lowell ObservatoryLocated at Northern Arizona University - it houses a 31 inch telescope
Date: 06/06/2009
Lowell Observatory - Northern Arizona University
Lowell ObservatoryA nice time lapse photo showing the stars rotating around Polaris - the north star
Date: 06/06/2009
NWA 2919 - 15.1 gram slice
NWA 2919 - 15.1 gram sliceOur sample is classified as an H4 chondrite - the TNW is 1,214 grams - this meteorite is a part of the collection at NAU
Date: 01/01/2000
NWA 2919 - 15.1 gram slice
Asteroid 4 VestaArtist’s rendition of an impact on the Howardite parent body which would have created a meteorite like NWA 3117 - courtesy Don Dixon, National Museum of Natural History - Smithsonian Institution
Date: 04/06/2009
Asteroid 4 Vesta
NWA 3117 - 2.4 gramsFront view of the slice - a typical Howardite example
Date: 01/01/2000
NWA 3117 - 2.4 grams
NWA 3117 - 2.4 gramsBack view of the slice - a typical Howardite example
Date: 01/01/2000
NWA 3117 - 2.4 grams
Dawn spacecraft orbiting VestaThe Dawn mission will study the asteroid Vesta (in August 2011) and dwarf planet Ceres (in February 2015)
Date: 05/28/2009
Dawn spacecraft orbiting Vesta
NWA 3117 - 2.8 gramsHowardites are achondritic stony meteorites that originate from the surface of the asteroid 4 Vesta - they are part of the HED meteorite group
Date: 05/28/2009
Howardites are achondritic stony meteorites that originate from the surface of the asteroid 4 Vesta - they are part of the HED meteorite group
NWA 3117 - 2.8 gramsHowardites are named for Edward Howard - a pioneer of meteoritics
Date: 05/28/2009
NWA 3117 - 2.8 grams
Dr. James H. WittkeDr. Wittke supervises the operations of the Northern Arizona University electron microprobe laboratory, which houses a Cameca MBX microprobe and the NAU Meteorite Laboratory - he helped to classify NWA 3118
Date: 10/03/2009
Dr. Wittke supervises the operations of the Northern Arizona University electron microprobe laboratory, which houses a Cameca MBX microprobe and the NAU Meteorite Laboratory - he helped to classify NWA 3118
NWA 3118 - 1.47 gramsHundreds of NWA 3118 fragments with a total weight of 5,895 grams were purchased in Erfoud, Morocco in December 2003 by Adam and Greg Hupé
Date: 01/01/2000
Hundreds of NWA 3118 fragments with a total weight of 5,895 grams were purchased in Erfoud, Morocco in December 2003 by Adam and Greg Hupé
NWA 3118 - 1.47 gramsOur cut specimen was classified as a carbonaceous chondrite of the CV group that is petrologic type 3 - in other words a CV3 - this stone has some great inclusions!
Date: 10/03/2009
Our cut specimen was classified as a carbonaceous chondrite of the CV group that is petrologic type 3 - in other words a CV3 - this stone has some great inclusions!
Oxygen isotope data for NWA 3133 - Courtesy Adam HupéNWA 3133 oxygen isotopes plot further away from the Earth-Moon line than any known achondrite - NWA 3133 could be regarded as the first known CV7 Chondrite
Date: 04/06/2009
Oxygen isotope data for NWA 3133
NWA 3133 - 1.3 gramsOur small piece of this meteorite is classified as a primitive achondrite
Date: 01/01/2000
NWA 3133 - 1.3 grams
NWA 3133 - 1.3 gramsA total of 2,393 grams of stones were puchased by the Hupés back in 2004
Date: 01/01/2000
NWA 3133 - 1.3 grams
Er-Rachidia, MoroccoThe NWA 3329 stone was purchased in 2005 by Fabien Kuntz from a Moroccan dealer in Er-Rachidia
Date: 06/28/2009
The NWA 3329 stone was purchased in 2005 by Fabien Kuntz from a Moroccan dealer in Er-Rachidia
NWA 3329 - .800 gramsWe are happy to have this small slice which is classified as a Diogenite
Date: 06/28/2009
We are happy to have this small slice which is classified as a Diogenite
NWA 3329 - .800 gramsThe original stone weighed 252 grams
Date: 06/28/2009
The original stone weighed 252 grams
Old YellerBecause of its unique appearance, NWA 4292 is nicknamed "Old Yeller" - the color of the dog in the old US television show!
Date: 04/06/2009
Old Yeller
University of WashingtonA sample of NWA 4293 is a part of the meteorite collection of University of Washington - photo courtesy UW
Date: 04/06/2009
University of Washington - Denny Hall
Coat of arms of MoroccoThe official coat of arms of the Kingdom of Morocco
Date: 04/06/2009
Coat of arms of Morocco
NWA 4533 - 11.6 gramsThe right side
Date: 01/01/2000
NWA 4533 - 11.6 grams
NWA 4533 - 11.6 gramsThe left side
Date: 01/01/2000
NWA 4533 - 11.6 grams
Homer Simpson's BrainDeep scientific study at both UCLA and UWS have proven that our NWA 4533 10.9 gram stone is an exact paired match to Homer Simpson's Brain - see for yourself in the image above
Date: 04/06/2009
Homer Simpson's Brain
NWA 4533 - "Homer Simpson's Brain" - 10.9 gramsThe "I'm right" side - This stone has been scientifically paired with Homer's Brain - [Buy It Now] $1,000,000
Date: 01/01/2000
NWA 4533 - 10.9 grams
NWA 4533 - "Homer Simpson's Brain" - 10.9 gramsThe "No... I'm Right" side - Auto generates MET-LIST spam and ADs
Date: 01/01/2000
NWA 4533 - 10.9 grams
NWA 4801 - One of four original piecesThis meteorite and NWA 4590 “Tamassint” both represent a new type of angrite lithology - some scientists speculate they could be a part of Mercury! - photo courtesy Greg Hupé
Date: 11/07/2009
NWA 4801 - .020 gramsThe original recovered stone - which was broken into four pieces - weighed about 252 grams
Date: 11/07/2009
The original recovered stone - which was broken into four pieces - weighed about 252 grams
NWA 4801 - .020 gramsOur small piece is classifieds as an achondrite belonging to the angrite group
Date: 11/07/2009
Our small piece is classifieds as an achondrite belonging to the angrite group
Moroccan MarketAre those meteorites or just dates?
Date: 04/06/2009
Moroccan Market
Kebira CraterLandsat image of the Kebira Crater in the Sahara Desert of Egypt near Libya
Date: 03/03/2006
Kebira Crater
NWA 5437 - 2.7 gramsProvisional - amazing chondrules and inclusions - full of colors
Date: 01/01/2000
NWA 5437 - 2.7 grams
NWA 5437 - 2.7 gramsProvisional - nice chondrules on the back as well
Date: 01/01/2000
NWA 5437 - 2.7 grams
Historic NWA MapFrom the University of Texas Collection
Date: 06/18/2009
Historic NWA Map
NWA 5534 - 81.39 gramsThis provisional meteorite has been classified as an L5-6, S3, W2, Brecciated Chondrite
Date: 06/18/2009
This provisional meteorite has been classified as an L5-6, S3, W2, Brecciated Chondrite
NWA 5534 - 81.39 gramsOur slice was found in 2008 and the Total Known Weight is only 528 grams
Date: 06/18/2009
NWA 5534 - 81.39 grams
Moroccan ExpeditionOff on a trek through the desert
Date: 04/06/2009
Moroccan Expedition
NWA 5682 - 3.7 gramsProvisional - Great black crust!
Date: 01/01/2000
NWA 5682 - 3.7 grams
The Australian National UniversityThe Research School of Earth Sciences at the Australian National University conducts projects which investigate the science of meteoritics
Date: 02/01/2010
The Research School of Earth Sciences at the Australian National University conducts projects which investigate the science of meteoritics
Dr. Trevor IrelandSeen here holding a meteorite - at ANU he has long been fascinated by the chemical composition of the early solar system - he is focused on the isotopic composition and age of meteorites, lunar soil, and solar wind
Date: 02/01/2010
Seen here holding a meteorite - at ANU he has long been fascinated by the chemical composition of the early solar system - he is focused on the isotopic composition and age of meteorites, lunar soil, and solar wind
NWA 5786 - 7.9 gramsOur slice of this chondrule packed stone is being classified at ANU - it is a possible L4
Date: 02/01/2010
Our slice of this chondrule packed stone is being classified at ANU - it is a possible L4