Details
Found in the Sahara Desert by Berber nomads in 2008, NWA 6932 is an extremely unusual iron meteorite. This complete slice was cut from the only mass found. NWA 6932 is one of the few plessitic iron meteorites on record (it contains only fine grains of the chief iron alloys found in iron meteorites). Moreover, in the words of the recently deceased Dr. John Wasson, the world’s foremost expert in iron meteorites, “This meteorite has no close compositional relatives.” As it does not fit into any of the established chemical groups, this meteorite has been classified as belonging to an esteemed collection of scientifically invaluable nonconformists, and is described as being “ungrouped.” In effect, this meteorite originates from an asteroid previously unknown.

In this highly exotic presentation of an iron meteorite, the typical crystalline latticework associated with most iron meteorites is absent. Unique kamacite spindles and crosses accent the cut surface. The different alloys typically found in the metallic matrix of iron meteorites exist only granularly in this singular example. Small troilite inclusions are scattered throughout. The meteorite’s natural external surface runs the length of its rim. Modern cutting.

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.


133 x 215 x 3mm (5.25 x 8.5 x 0.1 in.) and 521.7 grams (1 lb)
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