Collection
Classification: HED achondrite Diogenite
Observed fall: No
Year found: 2020
City, Country: Northwest Africa
Mass: 398 g
In collection
Weight #1 : 3,54 g
Weight #2 : 6,35 g
Weight #3 : g
Certificate of authenticity: Yes (3)
NWA 13710 is classified as a Diogenite (DIO), a type of achondritic meteorite believed to originate from the asteroid 4 Vesta. Diogenites are composed primarily of the mineral orthopyroxene, reflecting a deep crustal or upper mantle origin within Vesta’s differentiated interior. NWA 13710 likely formed through slow cooling of magma, allowing well-developed crystal structures to grow. Although it may also contain minor amounts of olivine, metal, and other accessory minerals, its predominance of orthopyroxene is characteristic of the diogenite family. Studying samples like NWA 13710 provides insights into the magmatic processes, thermal histories, and geological evolution of one of the largest and earliest-formed bodies in the asteroid belt.
When examining a thin section of NWA 13710 – a Diogenite (DIO) meteorite under a light microscope, you primarily observe large, well-formed orthopyroxene crystals with high relief and sharp crystal boundaries. Under polarized light, these orthopyroxene grains exhibit characteristic first-order interference colors and uniform extinction, reflecting their relatively homogeneous chemical composition. Minor accessory minerals, such as olivine or chromite, may appear as smaller, darker inclusions within the orthopyroxene-dominated matrix. Fractures and cleavages in the grains can be seen as thin, dark lines, and any metal or sulfide particles present appear opaque and reflective when switching to reflected light. Overall, the microscopic view reveals a coarse-grained, crystalline texture, indicative of the slow cooling and deep crustal or mantle origin of this diogenite.
