igneous
Martian Meteorite (Black Beauty)
NWA 7034 (Northwest Africa 7034)
Hardness: 5.5-6.5 (varies by mineral); Color: dark grey to pitch black; Luster: dull to vitreous; Structure: polymict breccia with clasts of basalt and impact melt; Specific Gravity: ~3.2.
- Hardness
- 5
- Color
- dark grey to pitch black
- Luster
- dull to vitreous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 5.5-6.5 (varies by mineral); Color: dark grey to pitch black; Luster: dull to vitreous; Structure: polymict breccia with clasts of basalt and impact melt; Specific Gravity: ~3.2.
Formation & geological history
Formed from Martian volcanic activity approximately 4.4 billion years ago (Noachian period), subsequently brecciated by impacts and eventually ejected from Mars by a significant impact event.
Uses & applications
Scientific research into the Martian crust, planetary evolution studies, and high-end private collection.
Geological facts
NWA 7034 contains about ten times more water than most other Martian meteorites, suggesting it originated from the ancient Martian crustal surface where water was present.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its fusion crust and high magnetic susceptibility compared to Earth rocks. Usually found in desert regions like the Sahara where dark stones stand out against sand.
