[meteorite-list] AD-New Unusual Howardite - NWA 2379

[Greg Hupe]

Dear list members,

I would like to announce a new howardite I recently got back from 
classification. It is NWA 2379 with a TKW of just 68 grams. Here is the 
classification data as reported to the NomCom from NAU:

NWA 2379

   Northwest Africa

   Purchased 2004 August

   Achondrite (howardite)

A 68 g stone with fusion crust was purchased in Erfoud, Morocco. Description 
and classification (T. Bunch and J. Wittke, NAU): an unusual howardite that 
contains an array of plastically deformed, shocked eucrite and diogenite 
clasts. Shock characteristics range from: crushed cataclastics (S2-4), 
maskelynite-bearing (S4), recrystallized pyroxenes and plagioclase (S5), to 
melt clasts (S6) that contain olivine as the quenched mafic phase in place 
of typical pyroxenes. Diogenites: orthopyroxene, Fs25.0Wo2.9 (FeO/MnO = 
29.4); plagioclase, An88.8; chromite, cr# = 76, mg# = 24. Eucrites: 
orthopyroxenes, Fs47.8-61.4Wo1.4-2.3 (FeO/MnO = 31.2-36); pigeonite, 
Fs51.3-56.8Wo7.7-12.6; augite, Fs27Wo28.1; plagioclase, An86.4-91.1. Quench 
olivine (< 0.05 mm in dia.): cores, Fa17.9; rims, Fa36.4 (FeO/MnO = 41-47); 
low weathering grade. Specimens: type specimen, 13 g, NAU; main mass, G. 
Hupé.



Since NAU and the University of Washington, both of which have studied this 
meteorite, have looked at this meteorite and determined that it is not 
paired to any of the other known NWA howardites, I feel comfortable saying 
this one is unique. As stated in Dr. Bunch's report, it is unusual and one 
of the best looking howardites I have seen. My photos on eBay are a little 
washed out, the actual specimens are better looking in person.


I have a limited amount to offer with such a low weight. There are only five 
complete slices, two of which are currently on eBay. Here are a couple links 
if you are interested:

NWA 2379 5.3 gram complete slice
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=2290890337&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT

NWA 2379 5.5 gram complete slice
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=2290890608&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT

I have many other great meteorites currently listed including a couple of 
large NWA 3118 CV3's and an awesome slice of NWA 1242, a beautiful 
mesosiderite with a large etched metal inclusion.

These are listed under my eBay seller name "naturesvault". Even if you are 
not interested in purchasing anything, it is always a great place to see 
some excellent meteorites.

Best regards,

Greg Hupe
The Hupe Collection
naturesvault (eBay)
gmhupe at tampabay.rr.com
IMCA 2185