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Large Chondrite Meteorite with Regmaglypts

About the Item

NWA 12759 Stone, Chondrite - L5 18.3 KG “This specimen of the NWA 12759 L5 chondrite has a smooth posterior fusion crust where meteoritic melt pooled as the rock descended through the atmosphere and was heated by friction with molecules of air. The meteorite is from the L-chondrite asteroid that was destroyed by an energetic collision 470 million years ago.” Dr Alan E. Rubin, PhD Department of Earth, Planetary, and Space Sciences, UCLA Detached from its parent body by a mighty impact, this large, oriented meteorite travelled over a hundred million miles through space before falling to Earth in the North African desert. Beautiful regmaglypts radiate from the apex of its cone shaped nose. These elongated dimples formed when streaks of superheated molten rock streamed off the meteor’s surface as it blazed through the atmosphere. The entire piece is coated in a glossy, umber-coloured fusion crust and close examination reveals remnants of encrusted, orange dirt. Whilst most meteors tumble as they travel through the Earth’s atmosphere, oriented meteorites maintain a stable trajectory as they fall, their domed shape created by the intense heat of atmospheric entry. This phenomenon is extremely rare, with less than one percent of meteorites falling in this way. Height: 33.65 cm (13.25 inches), 41.12 cm (16.19 inches) including base. Provenance: - Discovered at an undisclosed location, acquired in Temara, Morocco in 2019. Published: - Meteoritical Bulletin, no. 108 (2020) Meteorit. Planet. Sci. 55, 1146-1150. - ArtAncient, Extraterrestrial (2022) Petrography: Olivine (Fa25.2±0.9 (range Fa24.4-26.1), N = 3), low-Ca pyroxene (Fs21.0±0.3Wo1.3±0.2 (range Fs20.7-21.2Wo 1.5-1.1), N = 3), high-Ca pyroxene (Fs9.6±2.6Wo41.7±4.8 (Fs6.7- 11.8Wo45.9-36.4), N = 3).
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 13.25 in (33.66 cm)Diameter: 9.28 in (23.58 cm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    470 Million y/o
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    London, GB
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: 428551stDibs: LU1052231460892
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