Olivine-phyric Shergottites – Martian Meteorites

Olivine-phyric shergottites are a distinctive group of Martian meteorites characterized by the presence of visible olivine crystals embedded within a volcanic matrix.

These meteorites offer a direct insight into magmatic processes on Mars, combining scientific importance with a highly recognizable and often striking appearance.

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Tissint 2.842 g Martian Meteorite – Shergottite from a Witnessed Fall

Tissint 2.842 g Martian Meteorite – Shergottite from a Witnessed Fall 2

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Tissint 2.842 g Martian Meteorite – Shergottite from a Witnessed Fall (Morocco, 2011)

$2,273.00

A genuine 2.842 g Martian meteorite from the Tissint fall, classified as a shergottite. This small individual represents material ejected from Mars and recovered shortly after its fall, preserving key scientific characteristics.

Tissint – Complete Martian Meteorite with Fusion Crust 219 g

Tissint – Complete Martian Meteorite with Fusion Crust 219 g 2

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Tissint – Complete Oriented Martian Meteorite (219 g) Price on request

Exceptional complete specimen of the Martian meteorite Tissint, weighing 219 g, preserving its entire natural fusion crust. The surface displays well-developed regmaglyptes associated with distinct flow lines, recording dynamic ablation processes during atmospheric entry. A rare example of a large Tissint stone that remained intact upon impact. Price on...

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Tissint Martian Meteorite – 2.288 g individual with Preserved crust

Tissint Martian Meteorite – 2.288 g individual with Preserved crust 2

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Tissint Martian Meteorite – 2.288 g individual with Preserved Fusion Crust Texture

$1,830.00

A small 2.288 g Tissint individual displaying a textured fusion crust, formed during atmospheric entry. Subtle surface variations and micro-reliefs reflect the dynamic melting and cooling processes experienced upon arrival on Earth.

Tissint Martian Meteorite – 2.220 g - Fresh Individual

Tissint Martian Meteorite – 2.220 g - Fresh Individual 2

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Tissint Martian Meteorite – 2.220 g - Fresh Individual from the 2011 Fall

$1,776.00

This small 2.200 g individual from the Martian meteorite Tissint is a fresh specimen from the witnessed 2011 fall. It preserves a well-defined fusion crust and a clean, stable surface, reflecting minimal terrestrial alteration. A genuine and accessible piece of Mars.

Tissint Martian Meteorite 1.993 g – Oriented with Flow Lines | meteori

Tissint Martian Meteorite 1.993 g – Oriented with Flow Lines | meteori 2

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Tissint Martian Meteorite – 1.993 g - Oriented Individual with Radiating Flow Lines

$2,989.00

This 1.993 g individual from the Martian meteorite Tissint displays a well-defined oriented shape, with a surface covered by fine radiating flow lines converging from a single point. These aerodynamic features reflect its stable flight through Earth’s atmosphere. Combining Martian origin, fresh fall status, and clear orientation, this small specimen...

A Distinct Type of Martian Shergottite

Olivine-phyric shergottites belong to the broader group of shergottites, the most abundant class of Martian meteorites. What distinguishes them is the presence of olivine phenocrysts — crystals that formed early in the cooling history of Martian magma.

These crystals are embedded within a finer-grained groundmass, creating a texture that records the dynamics of volcanic activity on Mars.

Formation on Mars

These meteorites formed from basaltic magmas on Mars, where olivine began crystallizing before the rest of the melt. As the magma continued to cool, the remaining minerals formed around these early crystals.

This process results in a characteristic texture that reflects multi-stage crystallization within the Martian crust.

Olivine: A Key Mineral

Olivine is a fundamental mineral in planetary geology, often associated with mantle-derived materials. In olivine-phyric shergottites, its presence provides valuable information about:

The composition of Martian magmas
The conditions of crystallization
The thermal history of the rock

In some specimens, olivine crystals can be visible to the naked eye or under magnification, adding both scientific and aesthetic interest.

Scientific Importance

Olivine-phyric shergottites play an important role in understanding:

Martian volcanic activity
Magma evolution processes
The internal composition of Mars

They are frequently studied in planetary science to refine models of Martian geology and magmatic differentiation.

Collector Appeal

These meteorites are particularly appreciated by collectors for their:

Distinctive texture
Visible mineral inclusions
Martian origin

The presence of olivine crystals gives each specimen a unique visual identity, making them both scientifically valuable and aesthetically compelling.

Known Olivine-phyric Shergottites

Several well-known Martian meteorites belong to this group, including certain Northwest Africa (NWA) specimens that have contributed significantly to the study of Martian volcanism.

Each specimen provides additional insight into the diversity of Martian magmatic rocks.

Available Specimens

The specimens presented in this category include selected olivine-phyric shergottites, offering access to this distinctive type of Martian meteorite.

FAQ

What are olivine-phyric shergottites?

They are Martian meteorites containing visible olivine crystals formed during the early stages of magma crystallization.

Why are they important?

They provide insights into Martian volcanic processes and the composition of Martian magmas.

Are olivine-phyric shergottites rare?

Yes, they represent a specific subgroup within Martian meteorites and are less common than typical basaltic shergottites.

Can olivine be seen in these meteorites?

In some specimens, olivine crystals are visible, making them particularly attractive to collectors.

What makes them different from other Martian meteorites?

The presence of early-formed olivine crystals gives them a distinctive texture and geological significance.