32. NWA 12320 — HIGHLY AESTHETIC ANGRITE END PIECE
Angrite
Sahara Desert, Mauritania
Found 2018 / TKW: 4.46 kg
Among the most exotic and sought-after meteorites by both the scientific and collecting communities, angrites are, in effect, unaltered lava. Among the oldest igneous rocks in the solar system, angrites are unbrecciated and mostly unshocked. There are only 54 angrites documented — 0.07% of all meteorites — which collectively weigh a total of less than 70 kg.
It is believed the asteroid from which this angrites originate formed 4.57 billion years ago. The asteroids 289 Nenetta, 3819 Robinson and 5261 Eureka have all been suggested as possible parent bodies. Characteristic of many angrites, large vugs appear throughout its cedar-hued matrix. The assymetric balance of its vaguely triangular shape adds to the allure of what is a matchless specimen of an exotic meteorite.
66 x 57 x 18mm (2.66 x 2.25 x 0.75 inches) and 60.11 grams
Estimate $7,500 –10,000 * Reserve $6,000