A modest amount (approx. 1/2 kilogram) of meteorite fragments were recovered from the Mauritanian Sahara in 2021. Samples were eventually brought to Portland State University's Cascadia Meteorite Lab for analysis. It was officially classified as a CV3 carbonaceous chondrite with data that puts it within the newly-established ranges for the CVox class (CV oxidized). This meteorite has a chondrule-rich matrix with CAIs and other inclusions.
The specimen being offered here is a small fragment that weighs approx. .118g (118mg).
Refer to the photo. The black centimeter cube is shown for scale and is not included. You are purchasing the specimen shown. Your purchase will include a labeled gemjar for safe storage.
From the Meteoritical Bulletin entry on NWA 14420 :
Northwest Africa 14420 (NWA 14420)
Purchased: 2021
Classification: Carbonaceous chondrite (CV3)
History: Colvin purchased from a dealer in Mauritania via the internet.
Petrography: (M. Hutson, D. Sheikh, A. Ruzicka, Cascadia): In thin section, the sample contains chondrules and refractory inclusions including CAIs and AOAs (up to 4 mm across, with an average size of ~1 mm) set in a fine-grained dark matrix containing accessory magnetite grains. No metal was observed. The matrix comprises about 55% of the thin section area.
Classification: Texture and chemistry, including abundant refractory inclusions indicates a CV3 chondrite. Lack of metal and presence of magnetite suggests an oxidized CV3; low magnetic susceptibility favors CVoxA3 from Gattacceca et al., 2020.
