Chondrite – LL3; Adrar, Algeria

Discovered in early 2018, this specimen was part of a modest meteorite shower in which numerous specimens were recovered; the lot offered here is an end piece of the largest mass. The cut surface exhibits innumerable chondrules of variable size which are set in a gray groundmass. Glimmering particles of nickel-iron and iron sulfide grains are present throughout. The meteorite’s natural external surface on the reverse has a natural shine as a result of having acquired a desert varnish.

NWA 15036 has been classified as a sought-after Type 3 meteorite — more specifically an LL3. According to Dr. Carl Agee, the director of the Institute of Meteoritics, it is an LL 3.4 – 3.6, which implies it’s low in free iron and has experienced very little metamorphism. 3.00 is unequilibrated perfection (see lot 12).

LL3 meteorites contain abundant chondrules, experienced little aqueous alteration and contain unequilibrated mineral assemblages. This is a quintessential example of a Type 3 meteorite — it’s a peek at the mineral droplets which formed in the solar nebula and after agglomerating with dust and particles of metal and sulfide, formed the solid planets — including Earth — and quite a few asteroids as well. Providing a snapshot of early solar system history frozen in time, this end piece is accompanied by a custom armature.

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.

303 x 222 x 48mm (12 x 8.75 x 2 in.) and 4455.2 grams (9.75 lbs)