History:
It is quite clear that meteorite collectors in Northwest Africa
have discovered a large L chondrite strewn field at an undisclosed
location. At least 2 metric tons of material comprising thousands
of individuals has been sold under the name NWA 869 in the market
places of Morocco and around the world. Individual masses are
known to range from <1 g to >20 kg. It is certain that
NWA 869 is paired with other NWA meteorites, although no systematic
survey has been done. It is also possible that some stones sold
as NWA 869 are not part of the same fall, although dealers are
confident that most of the known masses are sufficiently distinctive
from other NWA meteorites in terms of surface and internal appearance
that the error rate should be fairly low. Scientists are advised
to confirm the classification of any specimens they obtain before
publishing results under this name.
Petrography
and Geochemistry: (A. Rubin, UCLA) A fragmental breccia of type
4–6 material; one thin section dominated by an L5 lithology
gave olivine (Fa24.2).
Classification:
Ordinary chondrite (L4–6); W 1, S3.
SOURCE:
Meteoritical
Bulletin Database
The
NWA 869 meteorite is famous for its HUGE chondrules and interesting
matrix. Very beautiful when sliced! Some of the larger pieces
you see are over 90 grams. Most pieces range in size from 10-40
grams. The bottom group LOT of 256 grams are
under 10 grams. The LOT
of 230 grams are 10-20 grams each, and the Larger piece LOT
of 468 grams range from 24 to 92 grams! Scroll to the bottom
of page for more close ups of the more interesting and prettier
pieces. Some have 100% or 99% fusion crust!
