Natural History - Tindouf Fall Meteorite

TINDOUF FALL METEORITE

One of the most interesting chondrites found in northwest Africa; a much studied meteorite, classified variously as L4 to L6, with some examples showing brecciation and higher metal content than others. This example seems to be an L4/5 and shows some regmaglypting and primary fusion crust.

• 55 grams
• 44mm (1 3/4")
• Very fine condition.

Provenance
Found near Tindouf, Algeria, North West Africa.

Literature
Classified as NWA 869, published in Meteoritical Bulletin #90 as an L4-6 fragmental breccia with a Shock Rating of S3 and a Weathering Level of W1. A 189.3 g type specimen is on deposit at UCLA.

Footnotes
Chondrite is a type of meteorite containing mineral spheres called chondrules. Most chondrites are believed to originate in the asteroids that orbit the sun between Jupiter and Mars.