Nakhla Martian Meteorite

Nakhla is one of the most famous Martian meteorites, a witnessed fall from 1911 that has played a key role in the study of Mars.

Fell in Egypt, Nakhla belongs to the rare group of nakhlites, Martian meteorites known for preserving evidence of water-related processes. It remains one of the most historically and scientifically important samples of Mars available on Earth.

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Nakhlite Meteorite 25.02 g | Complete Martian Stone with Crust

Nakhlite Meteorite 25.02 g | Complete Martian Stone with Crust 2

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Martian Nakhlite Meteorite – Complete Individual with Fusion Crust – 25.02 g

$25,000.00

A complete Martian nakhlite meteorite weighing 25.02 g, preserving its fresh black fusion crust. A rare individual stone, analyzed and confirmed, discovered as a single isolated find. Importante notice! A small portion of the meteorite was cut and used for classification, allowing it to be formally identified as a nakhlite. The remaining mass retains its...

A Historic Fall in Egypt

The Nakhla meteorite fell on June 28, 1911, near the village of El Nakhla El Bahariya in Egypt. The fall was witnessed, and multiple stones were recovered shortly after impact, making it one of the best documented Martian meteorite falls.

Nakhla quickly became one of the most studied meteorites in the world, due both to its Martian origin and the quality of the recovered material.

A Rare Nakhlite

Nakhla belongs to the nakhlite group, a rare class of Martian meteorites distinct from shergottites and chassignites. Nakhlites are igneous rocks formed from lava flows or shallow intrusions on Mars.

They are characterized by their mineralogy, dominated by clinopyroxene, and their relatively slow cooling history compared to other Martian meteorites.

Evidence of Water on Mars

One of the most important aspects of Nakhla is the presence of alteration features caused by liquid water. These include minerals that formed through interaction with water on Mars long before the meteorite was ejected into space.

Such features have made Nakhla a key specimen in the study of past water activity on Mars and the planet’s environmental history.

A Meteorite with a Unique History

Nakhla is also notable for the circumstances of its fall. Reports from 1911 describe stones falling from the sky and striking the ground, making it one of the rare witnessed meteorite falls of confirmed Martian origin.

This historical context adds to its importance, linking scientific discovery with direct human observation.

Scientific Importance

Nakhla has contributed significantly to our understanding of Mars, including:

The presence and role of water in Martian geology
The nature of Martian volcanic rocks
The processes of alteration and mineral transformation

It remains one of the reference meteorites used in planetary science.

Collector Interest

Due to its historical significance and scientific importance, Nakhla is highly sought after by collectors. Most of the known material is held in institutional collections, and available specimens are limited.

Owning a Nakhla specimen means acquiring a fragment of one of the most important Martian meteorites ever studied.

Available Nakhla Specimens

The specimens presented in this category represent authentic material from Nakhla. Each piece has been selected for its preservation and relevance within this historically significant Martian meteorite.

FAQ

What is the Nakhla meteorite?

Nakhla is a Martian meteorite that fell in Egypt in 1911 and is one of the best documented witnessed falls from Mars.

What type of meteorite is Nakhla?

Nakhla is a nakhlite, a rare type of Martian igneous rock.

Why is Nakhla important?

It provides evidence of water activity on Mars and is one of the most studied Martian meteorites.

Is Nakhla rare?

Yes. Although historically significant, available material is limited and highly sought after.

Can collectors own Nakhla?

Yes, but only small fragments are typically available, as most material is held in museums.