NWA 13925 Martian Meteorite

Northwest Africa 13925 (NWA 13925) is a rare Martian shergottite officially classified in the Meteoritical Bulletin and representing genuine igneous material ejected from the surface of Mars by a powerful impact event. With its poikilitic texture, olivine-rich mineralogy, and strong scientific relevance, NWA 13925 belongs to the rarest and most sought-after categories of meteorites available to collectors and researchers.

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A Genuine Meteorite from Mars

NWA 13925 is an officially classified Martian meteorite discovered in Northwest Africa and purchased in 2020. The meteorite was later studied and approved as a Martian shergottite by the Meteoritical Society.

Martian meteorites are among the rarest meteorites on Earth. They originate from the Martian crust and were ejected into space following massive asteroid impacts on Mars before eventually reaching Earth.

Official Classification

NWA 13925 is classified as a Martian meteorite (Shergottite), more precisely a poikilitic shergottite. The official Meteoritical Bulletin entry describes a texture composed of pyroxene oikocrysts enclosing olivine chadacrysts within a sparse interstitial groundmass. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

The meteorite was studied by Anthony Irving (University of Washington) and Paul Carpenter (Washington University in St. Louis), two internationally recognized specialists in planetary meteorites.

Mineralogy and Texture

NWA 13925 displays a complex Martian igneous mineralogy including olivine, low-calcium pyroxene, pigeonite, augite, maskelynite, chromite, ilmenite, merrillite, and pyrrhotite. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

The meteorite also contains crystallized melt inclusions within olivine chadacrysts, revealing the violent geological processes that affected the Martian crust.

Its poikilitic texture gives the meteorite a highly distinctive appearance appreciated both scientifically and aesthetically.

Highly Scientific Martian Material

Martian meteorites provide direct access to the geology of Mars without the need for space missions. They allow scientists to study the volcanic history, magmatic evolution, shock processes, and water-related alteration history of the Martian crust.

Shergottites in particular are essential for understanding the volcanic activity of Mars and the evolution of its mantle.

A Rare Collectible Martian Meteorite

Only a very small number of Martian meteorites are officially recognized worldwide. According to the Meteoritical Bulletin, NWA 13925 is one of only a few hundred approved Martian shergottites. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Specimens from NWA 13925 are therefore highly desirable for advanced meteorite collections, museums, and scientific institutions.

Technical Information

Name: Northwest Africa 13925 (NWA 13925)
Classification: Martian meteorite (Shergottite)
Texture: Poikilitic
Year Purchased: 2020
Total Known Weight: 1250 g
Weathering Grade: Low
Shock Stage: High
Official Approval: Meteoritical Bulletin 110

Frequently Asked Questions

Is NWA 13925 really from Mars?

Yes. NWA 13925 is officially classified as a Martian meteorite in the Meteoritical Bulletin database.

What is a shergottite?

Shergottites are igneous Martian meteorites formed from volcanic rocks crystallized on Mars.

Why are Martian meteorites rare?

Only a very small number of meteorites are confirmed to originate from Mars, making them among the rarest meteorites available to collectors.

Why is NWA 13925 scientifically important?

Its mineralogy, poikilitic texture, and melt inclusions provide valuable information about Martian volcanic and impact processes.