Iron, (ungrouped) – UNGR; Sahara Desert, Mali

NWA 12767 is an extremely exotic meteorite. There is no other meteorite that looks quite like this nor one with the same chemical composition. 90% of iron meteorites have been assigned to different groups. The members of each group share the same composition, a familial association which is the result of each having originated from the same parent asteroid. Iron meteorites in different groups are from different asteroids. Approximately 10% of iron meteorites do not fit into an existing group and are referred to as being “ungrouped”. Such is the case with NWA 12767, the 12,767^th meteorite to be recovered from the North West African grid of the Sahara Desert. NWA 12767 was a 6.3-kilogram meteorite. When cut, attenuated wands of kamacite are seen scattered throughout the matrix evoking an alien coat of arms. This is an exquisite, one-of-a-kind meteorite — the sole representative of an asteroid which no longer exists — and this is a sublime example.

Christie's would like to thank Dr. Alan E. Rubin at the Department of Earth, Planetary, and Space Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles for his assistance in preparing this catalogue.

61 x 111 x 3mm (2.5 x 4.33 x 0.1 in.) and 118.7 grams (0.25 lbs)