NEW! 57.3g Tessalit 001 - Extremely High Iron Winonaite Meteorite Under Study - A Primitive Achondrite!

Winonaite meteorites are a rare group of primitive achondrites that occupy an intriguing middle ground between fully differentiated meteorites and more primitive, chondritic material. They are believed to originate from parent bodies that experienced partial melting early in solar system history, likely due to heat from radioactive decay. This incomplete differentiation preserved a mixture of metallic iron-nickel and silicate minerals, giving winonaites their distinctive texture and composition. Their mineralogy often includes olivine, pyroxene, and metal phases, reflecting both primitive and processed characteristics.

A very high iron winonaite stands out because of its unusually elevated metal content compared to typical members of the group. In these specimens, iron-nickel metal can make up a substantial fraction of the rock, sometimes forming interconnected networks or large inclusions within the silicate matrix. This suggests that the parent body underwent localized melting and metal segregation, but not to the extent seen in fully differentiated iron meteorites. Studying these high-iron examples helps scientists better understand the transitional processes between primitive accretion and planetary differentiation.

These meteorites are scientifically valuable because they provide a snapshot of early solar system evolution at a stage that is rarely preserved. Their mixed composition records both the original building materials of planetesimals and the thermal events that began to reshape them. High-iron winonaites, in particular, offer insight into how metallic cores may have started to form in small bodies, shedding light on the earliest steps toward the layered structures seen in larger planets.

Please note:  This meteorite should be handled with care.  In addition, it may/can exhibit signs of rust over time.  This is a normal occurrence since the meteorite contains a high iron content. At some point in its life with you, it may need to be cared for.  Please see our care guide on our FAQ for further details on how to keep rust at bay.  Remember, you can always send the meteorite back to us for a fee if it is warranted to do so, and we can give it a good cleaning.