igneous
Black Beauty Meteorite
NWA 7034 (Northwest Africa 7034)
Polymict breccia; Dark/Black color with visible clasts; Hardness: ~6 (olivine/feldspar components); Sub-metallic to dull luster; Igneous texture with mineral fragments of pyroxene and feldspar.
- Hardness
- ~6 (olivine/feldspar components)
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Physical properties
Polymict breccia; Dark/Black color with visible clasts; Hardness: ~6 (olivine/feldspar components); Sub-metallic to dull luster; Igneous texture with mineral fragments of pyroxene and feldspar.
Formation & geological history
Martian rock formed approximately 2.1 billion years ago (Amazonian period) through volcanic activity and planetary impact; discovered in the Sahara Desert in 2011.
Uses & applications
Scientific research into the history of Mars, high-end private collecting, and museum exhibitions.
Geological facts
It contains ten times more water than most other Martian meteorites and is the first Martian meteorite discovered to be a breccia, matching the chemical composition of the Martian crust measured by rovers.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its unique fusion crust or brecciated appearance; highly rare. Found primarily in North African deserts via specialized meteorite hunters.
