Lot #2432

Northwest Africa (NWA) 5950 Meteorite [Provisional]

Description

Carbonaceous chondrite, CV3. Algeria, found 2009. Polished end cut with large and colorful chondrules. Weighing 155.1 grams and measuring 91 mm x 51 mm x 17 mm. An estimated 3 kg of this ancient meteorite was found in a small strewnfield in the Algerian desert in 2009 and all available material was quickly purchased by two dealers in the United States. The matte fusion crust and comparatively low density of the specimens suggested the rocks might be carbonaceous chondrites. Classification was carried out by the Bathurst Observatory Research Facility in Australia and—as is so often the case with meteorites—a surprise was in store. While it was a carbonaceous chondrite and was given the same classification as Allende [SEE LOT 2431], a CV3, the interior of the NWA 5950 meteorite turned out to be very unusual. Its dark grey matrix is peppered with abundant and densely-packed large chondrules, many of them orange in color. Visually, it is a curious carbonaceous chondrite.

The majority of recovered NWA 5950 specimens were on the small side and unsuitable for preparing into slices. Most of this material has long-since disappeared from the collectors’ market and this unusually large end cut is notably both for its size and the prominent and variegated chondrules displayed on its polished face. The unprepared exterior shows remnant fusion crust, a desert patina, and noticeable protruding chondrules. While listed in the official database, NWA 5950 was not published in the Meteoritical Bulletin, so its status is listed as “provisional.” Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Aerolite Meteorites.

Auction Info

• Auction Title: Science & Technology and Space Exploration
• Dates: #588 - Ended July 16, 2020