A pyramidal Northwest Africa (NWA) 869 stone chondrite meteorite, nicely cut into two matching halves with both faces polished. The matched pair weighs 150.4 grams and (put together) measures approximately 45 mm x 75 mm x 35 mm. Born by fire, Northwest Africa 869 is one of the most fascinating meteorites available to collectors. It has a highly unusual classification, L 3-6, meaning it shows characteristics of different meteorite types within the same mass. NWA 869 is a breccia—a rock made up of fragments of other rocks that have been compressed or cemented together. The most likely explanation for the formation of this mosaic-like mixture of space material is the collision of asteroid, millions or billions of years ago, somewhere in the void between Mars and Jupiter. NWA 869 illustrates the monumental processes at work in the solar system and its diverse and fascinating structure means it is sometimes described as 'an entire meteorite classroom in a single rock.' This matched pair is cut in half from a single stone. Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity signed by Geoff Notkin of Aerolite Meteorites Inc. and the TV show Meteorite Men, as well as a specimen identification card.
