Description: **NWA 13903 Meteorite - Diogenite (Olivine-Bearing)** **Classification:** Diogenite (Olivine-Bearing) **Weight:** 8.383 grams **Features:** Beautifully polished slice with low weathering and high shock stage **Found in Algeria 2021 NWA 13903 is a remarkable meteorite classified as a diogenite, a type of achondrite that originates from the asteroid 4 Vesta. This beautiful slice, weighing 8.383 grams, showcases a stunning polish to one side, offering an exceptional glimpse into its intriguing texture and mineral composition. **Mineralogy and Composition** Microprobe examination of a polished mount has revealed that NWA 13903 exhibits fragmental breccia with approximately 90% orthopyroxene, a hallmark of diogenitic meteorites. Orthopyroxene, primarily composed of enstatite, makes up the bulk of this meteorite, illustrating the high-temperature conditions under which it formed. In addition to orthopyroxene, accessory phases in this meteorite include olivine, troilite, chromite, and metallic iron. The presence of olivine is a notable feature, contributing to the diogenite classification and highlighting the varied mineralogical components that provide insight into the processes that shaped this sample. **Asteroid 4 Vesta and Diogenites** Asteroid 4 Vesta is one of the largest bodies in the asteroid belt and is recognized as a protoplanet. It possesses a differentiated structure, displaying a crust, mantle, and possibly a metallic core, akin to terrestrial planets. Vesta has been extensively studied through both observational data and spacecraft missions, such as NASA's Dawn mission, which orbited Vesta and provided invaluable information about its surface composition, topography, and mineralogy. Diogenites like NWA 13903 are believed to be the product of partial melting of Vesta's mantle, indicating the processes that led to the formation of the differentiated bodies in our solar system. The differentiation experienced by Vesta implies that diogenites represent a snapshot of the geological history of this ancient celestial body, offering clues about the conditions prevalent in the early solar system. **Specimen Presentation** NWA 13903 comes with a Certificate of Authenticity (COA) card, confirming its classification and providing the provenance essential for collectors and enthusiasts. The meteorite is presented in a display case, allowing for a secure and aesthetically pleasing showcase of this exceptional piece of cosmic history. **Conclusion** This 8.383-gram slice of NWA 13903 is not just a meteorite but a tangible piece of the primordial history of our solar system. As a diogenite originating from Vesta, this specimen represents a fascinating chapter in the narrative of planetary formation and evolution, making it an invaluable addition to any collection.
Price: 85 USD
Location: Riverside, California
End Time: 2025-02-05T18:08:48.000Z
Shipping Cost: N/A USD
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All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
