Midnight Meteorites

Asteroid Vesta Diogenite Meteorite Classified as NWA 15953, Space Lava with Potential Dual Lithology! - 23.9g Slice

$295.00 $345.00 14% Off
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This 23.9 gram meteorite slice is a fragment of asteroid 4 Vesta, the second largest asteroid in the solar system. It is classified as NWA 15953 by the International Society for Meteoritics and Planetary Sciences. Diogenite is from deep within the crust of 4 Vesta and is a form of crystalized magma (Space Lava!). This meteorite displays two unique colors. A reddish hue typical of diogenite with iron-bearing oxidized minerals and a lighter grey color. While some of this gray coloring may be due to terrestrial weathering, the variable texture along the outside edges suggests potential dual lithology... two rocks in one!

This stone comes to us as the result of an ancient impact event on Vesta that launched it into space before it came to rest in the desert of Algeria. It was discovered in 2022.   

Meteoritical Bulletin Entry Describing NWA 15953: https://www.lpi.usra.edu/meteor/metbull.php?code=80133. 

This meteorite is not just a collectible; it’s an educational tool that brings the mystery and science of space directly into your hands.

Your purchase includes the exact stone pictured, a Certificate of Authenticity, a display stand, and a lunar surprise 🌙

My name is Dr. Chris Sanders, and I am a member of the International Meteorite Collectors Association (Member ID 8303). Purchasing from an IMSA member guarantees you're working with trusted members of the meteorite community. You can watch my free meteorite education videos on YouTube or other social media platforms here: https://linktr.ee/meteocracy. 

 

Unique Features of This Meteorite

--Dual Lithology--

Meteorites that contain two distinct rock types within a single specimen, often indicating different formation histories or processes. These lithologies can vary in texture, composition, or origin, sometimes representing both primitive and evolved materials or impact-induced mixing.

--Diogenite--

A type of achondritic meteorite that originates from the deep crust of the asteroid 4 Vesta. It is primarily composed of magnesium-rich orthopyroxene, often giving it a greenish or yellowish hue, and represents some of the oldest igneous rock in the solar system. Diogenites provide valuable insights into planetary differentiation and crust formation on small bodies.

--4 Vesta--

One of the largest objects in the asteroid belt, spanning about 525 km (326 miles) in diameter, and is the second most massive asteroid after Ceres. It has a differentiated structure with a core, mantle, and crust, making it more like a small planet than a typical asteroid. Vesta is the parent body of HED meteorites (howardites, eucrites, and diogenites), which provide direct evidence of volcanic and geological activity in the early solar system.

Asteroid Vesta Diogenite Meteorite Classified as NWA 15953, Space Lava with Potential Dual Lithology! - 23.9g Slice

$295.00 $345.00 14% Off

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