Martian Meteorite NEA 053 – 0,8g – Northeast Africa – Libya
Type: Martian meteorite / Shergottite
Locality: Northeast Africa, Libya
Weight: 0,8g
Dimensions: 15 x 10 x 3 mm
Year found: 2023
Total known weight: 2 kg
Surface treatment: cut, polished slice
Packaging: transparent plastic box (5,8 x 3,8 x 1,6 cm)
| Category: | Martian meteorite NEA 053 |
|---|---|
| By name: | NEA 053 |
| ? Type: | Stony |
| Subspecies: | Achondrite |
| Packaging: | In box |
| ? Origin: | Mars |
| Processing type: | Polished |
Martian Meteorite NEA 053 – Rare Shergottite
NEA 053 (Northeast Africa 053) is a rare meteorite originating from the planet Mars, discovered in Libya in 2023. It belongs to the shergottite group, a type of igneous rock of Martian origin. The total known weight of the NEA 053 meteorite is just 2 kilograms.
This is a genuine fragment of another planet, formed on Mars, ejected into interplanetary space by a powerful impact, and eventually reaching Earth after a long journey through space. Thanks to its confirmed Martian origin and the limited amount of available material, NEA 053 is an interesting specimen for meteorite collectors and enthusiasts of planetary geology.
Mineral Composition and Structure
NEA 053 is a Martian shergottite with a basaltic composition. Its main mineral components are pyroxenes, olivine, and maskelynite, which formed through the transformation of original plagioclase during impact events. Minor components include ilmenite, titanomagnetite, and silica.
The meteorite's structure consists of larger pyroxene and olivine crystals embedded in a finer-grained groundmass. The meteorite shows clear evidence of significant impact shock and a low degree of terrestrial weathering.