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Midnight Meteorites

Gradiented Chondrite with Remnant Fusion Crust and Oriented Shape - 2.113 KG

$1,150.00 $1,350.00 14% Off
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This 2113 gram (4.6+ pound!) chondrite has several unique features from its journey to Earth! The coloring shows a beautiful transition from a brownish-red desert varnish, to a thin line of fusion crust from the stone's fiery descent through our atmosphere, to a weathered face exposed to the Saharan desert sun. This unique gradient is likely the result of how the stone landed, with part being buried. The meteorite's shape appears to be oriented with a rounded leading edge. 

This meteorite is weighty in the hand, and makes a good conversation piece to pass around and show guests or use in an educational setting due to its diverse coloring. 

When viewed under cross-polarized light (photo included), many intact chondrules are visible, which suggests this might be a Type 3 or 4 chondrite that has been minimally altered by heating.

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

The blue scale cube shown in some of the photos measures 1 cm x 1 cm x 1 cm and is used only to indicate scale. It is not included in your purchase.

Your purchase includes the exact stone pictured, a Certificate of Authenticity, 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

--Ordinary Chondrite--

Ordinary chondrites make up about 85% of all known falls. They are stony meteorites composed primarily of silicate minerals like olivine and pyroxene, with small amounts of nickel-iron metal and chondrules—tiny, spherical grains that formed in the early solar system. Their composition provides valuable insights into the building blocks of planets and the history of our solar system.


--Desert Varnish--

Desert varnish is a thin, dark coating that forms on the surface of meteorites and rocks exposed to arid environments for long periods. It develops due to the gradual accumulation of clay minerals, manganese, and iron oxides, often aided by microbial activity. This natural patina can help scientists estimate a meteorite’s terrestrial age and provides insight into weathering processes on Earth and other planetary surfaces.


--Fusion Crust--

A thin, dark, glassy layer on the exterior of a meteorite formed during its fiery passage through Earth's atmosphere. This feature is often described as a "burned" appearance.


--Chondrules--

Small, spherical particles found in some meteorites, particularly in chondrites. These are believed to be some of the oldest solid materials in our solar system.

 

--Orientation--

Oriented meteorites are space rocks that maintained a stable flight position as they passed through Earth’s atmosphere, resulting in a distinct aerodynamic shape. Their surfaces often display features like a smooth, shield-like front, flow lines, and a heat-shielded ablation pattern caused by intense atmospheric heating. These meteorites are rare and highly prized by collectors due to their unique formation process and visually striking appearance.

Gradiented Chondrite with Remnant Fusion Crust and Oriented Shape - 2.113 KG

$1,150.00 $1,350.00 14% Off
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