NWA 8694 – Martian Chassignite

NWA 8694 Chassignite | Rare Martian Olivine-Rich Meteorite

NWA 8694 is a rare Martian chassignite, belonging to one of the least common groups of Martian meteorites.

Unlike the more common shergottites, chassignites are olivine-rich rocks thought to originate from deeper levels of the Martian crust or mantle. NWA 8694 offers a unique perspective on the internal composition of Mars.

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NWA 8694 Chassignite 0.204 g | Martian Meteorite with Crust

NWA 8694 Chassignite 0.204 g | Martian Meteorite with Crust 2

Available

NWA 8694 – Martian Chassignite

Martian NWA 8694 Chassignite part slice crust 0.204 gr

$1,224.00

A rare part slice of the Martian meteorite NWA 8694, classified as a chassignite, weighing 0.204 g. This specimen preserves both a cut surface and natural fusion crust, offering a complete and highly informative view of this extremely rare Martian lithology.

NWA 8694 Chassignite 0.253 g | Martian Interior Slice

NWA 8694 Chassignite 0.253 g | Martian Interior Slice 2

Available

Martian Meteorites

Martian Meteorite NWA 8694 – Chassignite Part Slice – 0.253 g

$1,518.00

A rare part slice of the Martian meteorite NWA 8694, classified as a chassignite, weighing 0.253 g. This specimen presents a clean view of the interior structure of this olivine-rich Martian meteorite.

A Rare Type of Martian Meteorite

NWA 8694 belongs to the extremely rare group of chassignites, a class of Martian meteorites that differ significantly from the more common basaltic shergottites. Only a handful of such meteorites are known, making them of particular scientific and collector interest.

Chassignites are named after the historic meteorite Chassigny, which fell in France in 1815. NWA 8694 represents a modern example of this rare group, expanding our understanding of Martian geology.

An Olivine-Rich Martian Rock

Chassignites are characterized by their high content of olivine, a mineral commonly associated with mantle-derived rocks. This mineralogical composition suggests that these meteorites formed at deeper levels within Mars, possibly within the mantle or lower crust.

The presence of olivine gives these meteorites a distinctive texture and color, often setting them apart visually from other Martian meteorites.

Insights into the Martian Interior

While many Martian meteorites provide information about surface or volcanic processes, chassignites offer a rare glimpse into the deeper structure of Mars. Their composition suggests formation under conditions different from those recorded in basaltic shergottites.

This makes NWA 8694 particularly valuable for understanding the internal differentiation and evolution of the planet.

A Complement to Other Martian Meteorites

NWA 8694 complements other well-known Martian meteorites such as shergottites and regolith breccias by representing a different geological environment. Together, these meteorites provide a more complete picture of Martian geological diversity.

In this sense, chassignites occupy a unique position within Martian meteorite collections.

Collector Interest

Chassignites are highly sought after due to their rarity and scientific importance. Specimens of NWA 8694 are particularly desirable for collectors seeking to build a comprehensive collection of Martian meteorites.

The combination of rarity, distinctive mineralogy, and planetary origin makes these specimens especially valuable.

Available NWA 8694 Specimens

The specimens presented in this category represent authentic material from NWA 8694. Each piece has been selected for its quality, preservation, and relevance within the rare group of Martian chassignites.

FAQ

What is a chassignite meteorite?

A chassignite is a rare type of Martian meteorite composed mainly of olivine, believed to originate from deeper levels of Mars.

What makes NWA 8694 special?

NWA 8694 is one of the few known chassignites, offering insight into the internal composition of Mars.

How rare are chassignites?

They are among the rarest Martian meteorites, with only a small number of specimens identified.

How is it different from other Martian meteorites?

Unlike shergottites, which are volcanic rocks, chassignites are olivine-rich and likely formed deeper within Mars.

Can collectors acquire chassignites?

Yes, but they are rare and typically available only in limited quantities.

The NWA 8694 is a Chassignite, the third martian meteorite of this type (Chassigny, the type name fell in Chassigny, Haute Marne, France, on 3 October 1815). As noticed by Roger Hewing, the NWA 8694 has typical chassignite petrography (abundant olivine, interstitial pyroxenes and melt inclusions in olivine. See the meteorite bulletin http://www.lpi.usra.edu/meteor/metbull.php?code=61276 The martian meteorite Northwest Africa 8694 (NWA 8694) is a single stone, almost entirely covered by fusions crust. Petrography and classification: (Roger Hewins, Sylvain Pont, Brigitte Zanda, MNHNP) This meteorite is a cumulate dunite with 85% highly fractured olivine, classified as a chassignite. As the textures and mineral assemblages are almost identical to those of Chassigny and NWA 2737, the olivine and pyroxene compositions are intermediate between those of Chassigny and Nakhla.