NWA 869 Brecciated Chondrite Meteorite
Classification: L4-6
Year of find: 2000
Country of origin: (Northwest Africa)
Geographic coordinates unknown.
History: It is quite clear that meteorite collectors in Northwest Africa have discovered a large L chondrite strewnfield at an undisclosed location. At least 2 metric tons of material comprising thousands of individuals have been sold under the name NWA 869 in the marketplaces of Morocco and around the world. Individual masses are known to range from <1 g to >20 kg. It is certain that NWA 869 is paired with other NWA meteorites, although no systematic survey has been done. It is also possible that some stones sold as NWA 869 are not part of the same fall, although dealers are confident that most of the known masses are sufficiently distinctive from other NWA meteorites in terms of surface and internal appearance that the error rate should be fairly low. Scientists are advised to confirm the classification of any specimens they obtain before publishing results under this name.
Petrography, Composition and Classification: (A. Rubin, UCLA) A fragmental breccia of type 4-6 material; one thin section dominated by an L5 lithology gave olivine = Fa24.2. Classification: Ordinary Chondrite (L4-6); S3, W1.
Type specimen: A 189.3 g sample on deposit at UCLA.
(Information from http://tin.er.usgs.gov/meteor/metbull.php?code=31890) Published in Meteoritical Bulletin, no. 90, MAPS 41, in preparation (2006)
The slices and whole specimens on this page have been cleaned to show their petrologic features and crust. The photos don't show the iron very well.


Northwest Africa 869 History

Name: Northwest Africa 869
Location: near Tindouf in Algeria
Type: Ordinary Chondrite, Brecciated L5
The meteorite was discovered in 1999 near Tindouf in Algeria and it is estimated that around 1500kg of stones have been found, making it one of the largest Total Known Weight stone meteorites to come out of North West Africa. It is a very attractive looking meteorite and has a number of distinguishing features. When cut and polished, the matrix is full of colour and chondrules. It is also possible that it may contain carbonaceous inclusions and be brecciated. The stones of this meteorite vary quite widely which makes classification difficult. Some individuals will show the dark inclusions and brecciation, while others will not even hint at it. This meteorite has been classified a numerous times by different institutions around the world and they have all come up with a different classification. One thing they all agree on however, is that it's an L-Chondrite! UCLA originally classified NWA 869 as L4, but later reclassified it to L5, which stands as it's current official classifiaction. It has also been classified as L3.9-6 and L6. A couple of these classifiactions have also said it is brecciated. Well whatever the classification, one thing remains true: it's a great looking meteorite!