Northwest Africa 12395 (NWA 12395)

Morocco

Purchased: May 2018

Classification: Iron meteorite (IID)

History: Purchased in May 2018 from Goulmima-based Lahsen Ouabicha, via Internet. No other pieces similar to it were found, according to the dealer.

Physical characteristics: The meteorite is roughly oval in shape, and measures approximately 5 × 3 × 2 cm.

Petrography: (C. Herd, UAb) Optical investigation of a ~4.5 × 2.5 cm polished and etched slice reveals a well-developed Widmanstätten pattern consistent with a medium octahedrite (0.52±0.06 mm; n=38). Two lath-shaped schreibersite inclusions parallel to the Widmanstatten pattern are present. Terrestrial alteration appears to have only affected the exterior surface.

Geochemistry: ICP-MS data, using sample of North Chile (Filomena) as standard (C. Herd and G. Chen UAb): Ni = 10.3, Co = 0.69 (both wt%); Ir = 9.1, Ga = 75, Ge = 89, As = 9.3, W = 2.8, Re = 0.9, Os = 0.7, Pt = 16.9, Cu = 253, Au = 0.85 (all μg/g).

Classification: (C. Herd, UAb): IID iron, through comparison of bulk composition with data from Wasson and Huber (2006), medium octahedrite.

Specimens: Type specimen consisting of a 21 g representative slice at UAb. Main mass with Craig Zlimen.