Mars Meteorite - NWA 2986

(Preliminary Classification Details)

PAIRED WITH NWA 2975

Northwest Africa 2986
Found in Algeria
Achondrite (Martian Basaltic Shergottite)

Description below is of the NWA 2975 for which this meteorite is preliminarily paired:

NWA 2986 belongs to the basaltic shergottite subgroup of Martian meteorites that is typified by Ca-rich pyroxene (augite), Ca-poor pyroxene (pigeonite), large amounts of plagioclase (now, shock-formed maskelynite) and minor amounts of phosphates and Fe-, Ti-oxides. The pyroxenes are compositionally zoned, i. e., Mg-rich crystal cores and Fe-rich rims that formed in a rapidly cooled magmatic flow. However, NWA 2986 is unusual in that the zoning is mostly lacking and may indicate that it cooled more slowly in a thicker volcanic flow (> 10 meters) and/or deeper flow compared with the other known basaltic shergottites. In addition, NWA 2986 is probably the freshest of Martian finds and is very close in freshness to that of observed falls, for example, Zagami.

Thin Section Photos. First photo shows close-up of the glass veining that is very prevalent in this meteorite. Thin section photos are copyright Tom Phillips may not be used without permission.

Click images to enlarge:

CUT PARTSLICES:

.130 grams with fusion crust on two edges. Measures 10.5 mm by 6.1 mm by 1.2 mm thick. - $190- (Shown in rectangular display box, I will change to a membrane display box if desired)

.138 grams with fusion crust on two edges. Measures 6.4 mm by 6.1 mm by 1.7 mm thick. - $200-

.152 grams with fusion crust on two edges. Measures 12.1 mm by 9.2 mm by .9 mm thick. - $220- (Shown in rectangular display box, I will change to a membrane display box if desired)