LL3.8 chondrite
Erfoud, Morocco
Dimensions (height x width x depth): 3 x 2 ¼ x ¼ in. (7.6 x 5.7 x 0.6 cm)
Weight: 0.1 lbs. (64.7 g)
Provenance: Geoffrey Notkin / Aerolite Meteorites Inc.

While chondrites (stone meteorites in which chondrules are present) are the most abundant type of recovered meteorite on our planet, the Type 3 sub class is comparatively rare and is of great interest to meteoriticists and those engaged in the study of planets and asteroids. Type 3 chondrites have undergone little metamorphism on their parent bodies. As such, the small, glassy spheres known as ‘chondrules’, of which they are comprised remain in almost immaculate condition and are made of the same configuration and mineralogy as when they formed to the host asteroid. In other words, these colorful composites of multi-billion-year-old pre-solar grains have remained virtually unchanged since the birth of our solar system. As such, they are among the oldest things in existence and are a feast for the eyes, as well as representing the very building blocks of planetary structures. Northwest Africa (NWA) 6135 is classified LL3.8 indicating that it is relatively low in iron and shows a very small degree of alteration. Originally found in 2008, this fully polished slice is packed with abundant chondrules of varying sizes and multiple colors. When examined with a loupe or microscope it seems to take the viewer on a kaleidoscopic journey back to a time before our own planet existed and is as visually alluring as it is scientifically important. This specimen measures 3 x 2 ¼ x ¼ in. (height x width x depth) and weighs 0.1 pounds.