Extraordinary Chondrite with the new CVOX3 classification. Beautiful dark meteorite with large visible chondrules Read more.
New meteorite classification
The NWA13575 meteorite was found by a nomad in the Sahara desert. Several fragments in different sizes were bought at the market in Errachidia Morocco in 2020 and sent for examination. Here they made an extraordinary discovery. Based on the texture and mineral composition, this is a CV3 meteorite. But based on the magnetic susceptibility and nickel compositions of the iron sulphide grains, it belongs to the Oxidation subgroup. A new category had to be created for this meteorite. Since 2020 the CVOX3 classification is officially recognised.
Characteristics CVOX3
This meteorite is characterised by its dark colour and irregular appearance. The surface has been polished smooth by the fine Sahara sand. The chondrules are also clearly visible on the surface.
What is a meteorite?
A meteorite is a rock or several rock fragments, usually composed of stone or iron, that penetrates the atmosphere and falls to Earth. Often these rocks have broken off from a larger celestial body, such as a comet, asteroid or even a planet. When this happens nearby, debris can land on the Earth. Thanks to the protective layer of our atmosphere, many of these debris burn up in the heat. The ones that survive the fiery journey through the atmosphere, and eventually strike the Earth's surface, are called meteorites.
