Meteorite Classification: CV3-4 Chondrite
Weight: 20.6 grams
Description: End Piece
Maximum Dimensions: 51mm x 30mm x 7mm
Discovery Location: Northwest Africa (2006)
Published in: NOT YET OFFICIALLY PUBLISHED
Price: $95 Sold
Carbonaceous chondrites are the most primitive meteorites, and CV chondrites illustrate the history of our solar system better than any other space rock. The calcium-aluminum inclusions (CAIs) seen in CV chondrites were the very first bits of matter to condense out of the solar nebula and even pre-date chondrules by 2-3 million years. The chondrules in CV meteorites formed over 100 million years before the accretion of differentiated bodies like Earth began.
NWA 4502 fell in an unknown Northwest Africa location and was purchased in Erfoud, Morocco. This weathered space rock contains countless chondrules 0.5mm to 1mm in diameter plus dozens of chondrules 1mm to 2mm in diameter. Also visible is a large 4mm calcium-aluminum inclusion (CAI). The external surface of this end piece displays essentially 100% fusion crust.
