Martian Meteorite Northwest Africa 13368

NORTHWEST AFRICA 13368  

Nakhlite (Martian meteorite)  

Crystallized 1.3 billion years ago; launched from Mars approximately 10 million years ago  

Mauritania, 2020

1.035 kilograms. 3 7/8 x 3 7/16 x 3 1/4 inches (9.8 x 8.7 x 8.2 cm)

For a 360-spin view of the meteorite, click here.

Northwest Africa 13368 belongs to the nakhlites — a family of eighteen Martian meteorites that share a common origin in a single volcanic eruption on the surface of Mars. They take their name from Nakhla in Egypt, where a witnessed fall of such specimens occurred in 1911. Age dating studies have established that the nakhlites crystallized from Martian magma 1.3 billion years ago and were ejected from the planet as a group approximately 10 million years ago, following an asteroid impact with sufficient force to overcome Martian gravity.

This specimen is especially notable for its well-preserved striated fusion crust — the glassy skin formed as the stone was heated during atmospheric entry. Fusion crust is among the most visually compelling features a meteorite can display, and its survival on this specimen is a mark of exceptional preservation. The interior, revealed by a polished cut face taken for scientific classification, shows the characteristic crystalline texture of the nakhlite group.

Among the 230 known Martian meteorites, the nakhlites hold a distinctive place. Geologically young by meteoritic standards, they carry direct evidence of conditions on Mars at the time of their formation — including traces of aqueous alteration suggesting that liquid water interacted with the Martian crust within the nakhlite's own lifetime.