[meteorite-list] NWA 8173 - A rare Enstatite Achondrite

[Gary Fujihara]

Aloha meteorite lovers,

The Big Kahuna has acquired an interesting new achondrite, NWA 8173. A single fusion crusted 67.17g stone was purchased from a Moroccan dealer in autumn 2013. The meteorite was cut by Montana Meteorite Laboratory and a sample submitted to Tony Irving for analysis toward classification. This is a very unusual specimen composed mainly of stubby, prismatic grains of untwinned, pure enstatite (Fs0.0±0.0Wo0.2-0.3) with ~20 vol.% stained, holly-leaf shaped grains of Si-bearing Fe-Ni metal, and accessory alabandite, daubreelite, alkali feldspar, silica polymorph and minor secondary calcite. This specimen is not an aubrite, and the purity of the enstatite is remarkable (even among other known enstatite-rich meteorites). There are only five enstatite achondrite meteorites classified and listed in the Meteorite Bulletin, and this is one of the freshest examples. Slices of this meteorite have a mirror polish and come in a quality labeled large display box for protection and years of viewing pleasure. Scale cube is 1cm on each side and not included in the sale.

http://bigkahuna-meteorites.com/NWA8173.html

Gary Fujihara
Big Kahuna Meteorites Inc.
PO Box 4175, Hilo, HI  96720
(808) 640-9161
http://bigkahuna-meteorites.com/
http://www.ebay.com/sch/fujmon/m.html