0,46 gr Martian Meteorite NWA 15497, Shergottite

Rarity and Value
Martian meteorite NWA 15497 is an exceptionally rare shergottite originating from the volcanic crust of Mars. Formed between 150 and 600 million years ago, this meteorite represents direct geological material from another planet, preserved after its violent ejection into space by a massive impact event. Its mineral composition, including maskelynite created through intense shock metamorphism, together with pyroxenes and olivine characteristic of Martian basalts, makes this specimen highly important for planetary science. Authenticated Martian meteorites are among the rarest materials available on Earth and are greatly valued by collectors, museums, and researchers for their scientific and extraterrestrial significance.

Discovery
The specimen was recovered in 2020 from the Sahara Desert in Northwest Africa, a region internationally recognized for yielding some of the world’s most significant meteorite discoveries. The arid desert environment preserves extraterrestrial material exceptionally well, allowing rare meteorites to remain identifiable over long periods. Scientific examination confirmed the Martian origin of NWA 15497 through diagnostic Fe/Mn ratios and trace element patterns consistent with basaltic shergottites. These geochemical characteristics provide evidence of volcanic activity and magmatic differentiation processes that occurred deep within the Martian crust and mantle.

Preservation
This slice preserves a fine-grained basaltic matrix containing low-calcium and high-calcium pyroxenes, olivine, chromite, ilmenite, and sulfide minerals. The conversion of plagioclase into maskelynite records the immense pressures generated during the impact event that launched the rock from Mars into interplanetary space. Minor secondary alteration minerals indicate limited terrestrial weathering after its arrival on Earth. The meteorite remains exceptionally well-preserved, retaining detailed mineralogical structures essential for scientific analysis and offering a rare opportunity to study authentic material originating from the surface of Mars.

Composition

Maskelynite (shock-transformed plagioclase), low-Ca pyroxene (pigeonite), high-Ca pyroxene (augite), olivine, and accessory phases within a fine-grained basaltic matrix containing chromite, ilmenite, sulfides and minor secondary alteration minerals.

Geochemistry

Plagioclase (An35–55, maskelynite), olivine (Fa25–40), low-Ca pyroxene (En50–60 Fs30–40 Wo5–10), high-Ca pyroxene (Wo30–45), with Fe/Mn ratios consistent with Martian origin, and trace elements showing enrichment in incompatible elements typical of Martian basaltic shergottites.