Collection
Classification: MG PAL (Main-group pallasite)
Pallasite (main group), based on texture, grain size of olivine and olivine composition
Observed fall: No
Year found: 2014
City, Country: Northwest Africa
Mass: 290 g
In collection
Weight #1 : 3,80 g
Certificate of authenticity: Yes (1)
WA 10236 is an Ordinary (O) L3 chondrite, meaning it’s part of the low-iron (L) subgroup of ordinary chondrites that has undergone minimal thermal metamorphism (type 3). Discovered in Northwest Africa, this meteorite still preserves much of its primordial chondritic texture, featuring well-defined chondrules composed mainly of olivine and pyroxene. Despite its low metallic iron-nickel content, small amounts of metal and sulfides are scattered throughout the rock. The relatively unaltered state of NWA 10236 makes it valuable for studying the early solar system’s building blocks, as it captures the conditions and composition that prevailed before significant heating and differentiation modified meteoritic materials.
When examining a thin section of NWA 10236 – an Ordinary (O) L3 chondrite under a light microscope, you see a multitude of well-defined chondrules of varying sizes and textures—such as porphyritic, barred olivine, and radial pyroxene—set in a fine-grained, darker matrix. These chondrules exhibit distinct boundaries and crystal outlines, with olivine and pyroxene grains showing vibrant interference colors under polarized light. Small metallic iron-nickel grains and troilite (FeS) particles appear opaque, reflecting brightly under reflected light microscopy. Because this meteorite has undergone minimal thermal metamorphism, its chondrules and matrix preserve much of their primordial structure, providing a rare glimpse into the solar system’s early conditions.
