For scientists to reference different meteorites, a nomenclature system is required. Meteorites are named by a panel of scientists for the locality from where they were recovered. Meteorites are named after towns, cities and counties as well as lakes, rivers, mountains, streams and more. Where no distinct geographic feature exists — say in a desert — meteorites are named after the designated collection area appended with a number. So, NWA 869 is the 869^th specimen to be recovered, examined and considered for publication following its recovery in the North West African grid of the Sahara Desert. NWA 869 is a breccia, a rock composed of different components which, in this instance, have experienced different degrees of metamorphic heating within its parent asteroid. Included are primitive chondritic fragments containing largely unmetamorphosed chondrules as well as other fragments that experienced extensive metamorphism and recrystallization. As a result of this meteorite containing fragments that experienced different degrees of metamorphism, NWA 869 is classified as L3-6, the “L” indicating a relatively low amount of free iron, the “3” indicating very little metamorphism and the “6” indicating a great deal of metamorphism.

The primarily milk chocolate-hued matrix is dappled with billows of gray matrix both of which are embellished with ochre accents and metallic flecks suspended throughout. Gazing into this captivating specimen evokes a galaxy in miniature. Such are the wonders provided by this select meteorite which was fashioned into a sphere. Modern fashioning.

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.
50mm (2 in.) in diameter and 266 grams ( 0.5 lbs)