1.32 gr Erg Chech 002 Achondrite Meteorite – Protoplanetary Igneous Rock, 4.565 Billion Years

Rarity and Value
This slice of Erg Chech 002 belongs to one of the rarest meteorite groups known to science. As a protoplanetary achondrite, it does not originate from the Moon or Mars, which account for the overwhelming majority of achondrites found on Earth. With a weight of 1.32 grams and precise cutting suitable for study and exhibition, this specimen represents an exceptional opportunity for museum collections, academic reference, and advanced private collectors seeking material from the earliest stages of planetary formation.

Discovery and Significance
Erg Chech 002 was discovered in May 2020 in a remote region of the Sahara Desert. Scientific investigation by French and Japanese researchers determined that the meteorite is a fragment of an ancient protoplanet that formed before Earth itself. Radiometric dating places its age at approximately 4.565 billion years, making it the oldest known sample of igneous rock and a key reference for understanding the early evolution of the Solar System.

Morphology and Preservation
This thin slice reveals a fine-grained igneous texture composed predominantly of andesite rather than basalt, a highly unusual feature among achondrites. Subtle crystalline structures and natural tonal variations are visible across the surface, reflecting early volcanic processes on a primordial planetary body. The specimen has been carefully cut to preserve internal features while maintaining excellent stability and clarity for close examination and display.

Human and Scientific Connection
Erg Chech 002 offers a direct physical link to the formation of the first planetary crusts. As a museum-style artifact, this slice transforms abstract scientific concepts into a tangible object, allowing direct engagement with material that predates Earth itself. It stands as a powerful witness to deep cosmic time, connecting human inquiry with the earliest chapters of planetary history.