.96" Chondrite Meteorite Section (7.48 g) - NWA 8160

The NWA 8160 Meteorite

Two bags containing many small fragments of this meteorite were purchased from a Moroccan dealer at the Denver Gem and Mineral Show in 2013. Cutting revealed a classic CV (carbonaceous) chondrite texture, with many chondrules of various sizes and calcium aluminum inclusions (CAIs)--the first solids to crystallize out of the nebula during formation of our solar system! These inclusions also likely contain micro-diamonds that formed outside of and before our solar system. This may be some of the oldest meteoritic material ever known!

Meteoritical Bulletin Database Entry For NWA 8160

What Is A CV3 Chondrite

A CV3 chondrite meteorite is a specific type of stony chondritic meteorite belonging to the "CV" (Carbonaceous Vigarano) group. CV chondrites are named after the Vigarano meteorite, a famous meteorite that fell in Italy in 1910. The "3" designation in CV3 signifies its petrologic grade, indicating that it has undergone minimal thermal alteration and remains in a relatively pristine state since its formation over 4.5 billion years ago.

CV3 chondrites are rich in carbon and may contain organic compounds and amino acids, hinting at the building blocks of life. They also contain small spherical inclusions called chondrules and refractory inclusions that formed at high temperatures in the early solar nebula. They often have a distinctive, dark matrix with embedded chondrules and metal grains. Some contain white calcium-aluminum-rich inclusions (CAIs), which are among the oldest solid materials in the solar system. CV3 chondrites provide crucial insights into the early solar system. Their relatively unaltered state helps scientists study the solar nebula's conditions and processes, and they’re valuable for understanding pre-solar chemistry.