This unique and rare meteorite, named Tifariti 002 and classified as a Lunar (feldspathic breccia). This beautiful slice weighs 5.588 grams, with odd orange unknown inclusions, and has a perfect polish to one side. It is a breccia composed of mineral clasts of anorthite, olivine, low-Ca pyroxene, subcalcic augite and augite in a fine grained matrix containing ilmenite, Ti-chromite, baddeleyite, troilite, kamacite and taenite, plus minor secondary Fe oxides and barite.

With its fascinating history and scientific importance, this meteorite is sure to be a conversation starter and a prized possession. Don't miss your chance to own a piece of outer space with Tifariti 002, It comes with a COA card and display case.

 

Name: Tifariti 002

     This is an OFFICIAL meteorite name.

Abbreviation: There is no official abbreviation for this meteorite.

Observed fall: No

Year found: 2022

Country: Western Sahara

Mass: 5.8 kg

Tifariti 002        26.008°N, 10.494°W

Saguia el Hamra, Western Sahara

Purchased: 2022 Apr

Classification: Lunar meteorite (feldspathic breccia)

History: Found near Bir Tiguisit, southern Morocco. Some of this material was purchased by Ziyao Wang in April 2022 from a dealer in Laayoune, Morocco.

Physical characteristics: One large (3.4 kg) dark gray stone lacking fusion crust plus many smaller fragments (total 2.4 kg).

Petrography: (A. Irving, UWS, and P. Carpenter, WUSL) Breccia composed of mineral clasts of anorthite, olivine, low-Ca pyroxene, subcalcic augite and augite in a fine grained matrix containing ilmenite, Ti-chromite, baddeleyite, troilite, kamacite and taenite, plus minor secondary Fe oxides and barite.

Geochemistry: Anorthite (An97.2-97.6Or0.1-0.0, N = 3), olivine (Fa19.6-57.9, FeO/MnO = 81-92, N = 4), low-Ca pyroxene (Fs20.9-32.6Wo3.3-2.7, FeO/MnO = 52-63, N = 3), subcalcic augite (Fs41.6Wo20.9, FeO/MnO = 54), augite (Fs11.1-13.5Wo40.0-44.7, FeO/MnO = 38-45, N = 2).

Classification: Lunar (feldspathic breccia)

Specimens: 21.4 g including a polished endcut at UWB; 192 g with WangZ; remainder including the 3.4 kg main mass with Mr. S. Ben Badi.

Data from:

  MB111

  Table 0

  Line 0:

State/Prov/County:Saguia el Hamra

Place of purchase:Laayoune

Date:P 2022 Apr

Latitude:26.008°N

Longitude:10.494°W

Mass (g):5800

Pieces:Many

Class:Lunar (feldsp. breccia)

Shock stage:low

Weathering grade:low

Fayalite (mol%):19.6-57.9

Ferrosilite (mol%):20.9-32.6; 11.1-13.5

Wollastonite (mol%):3.3-2.7; 40.0-44.7

Classifier:A. Irving, UWS, and P. Carpenter, WUSL

Type spec mass (g):21.4

Type spec location:UWB

Main mass:Said Ben Badi/WangZ

Comments:Work name WZY-22A; submitted by A. Irving