Eucrite, achondrite
Temara, Morocco
Dimensions (height x width x depth): 1 7/8 x 2 3/8 x 5/8 in. (4.7 x 6 x 1.5 cm)
Weight: 0.2 lbs. (82.9 g)
Provenance: Geoffrey Notkin / Aerolite Meteorites Inc.

Experienced meteorite collectors — and especially meteorite hunters — will know the popular phrase directed at amateurs who think they may have found a real space rock: ‘If it doesn’t stick to a magnet, it’s not a meteorite.’ While that statement is true for the vast majority of meteorites, eucrites are a rare exception. Achondritic (without chondrules) stony meteorites, eucrites are light in weight, contain little or no iron and are believed to have originated on, or near, the surface of the large asteroid Vesta. Likely formed of basaltic crust they are, essentially, volcanic rock from outer space and indicate the fact that some large asteroids have (or had) molten cores and experience geologic upheavals much like our own planet. When cut and polished, eucrites typically display a drab, homogenous interior such as Millbillillie (Australia). Nonesuch with NWA 8056, which was found in 2013. Only two stones of this rare eucrite are known to exist for a total weight of 1,560 grams and this attractive end cut comes from the larger of the two. Classification was carried out by A. Irving and S. Kuehner, and 8056 is packed with swirling, multi-colored elements blasted from the surface of one of the largest asteroids in the solar system. This fine specimen measures 1 7/8 x 2 3/8 x 5/8 in. (height x width x depth) and weighs 0.2 pounds.