Erg Chech 002 – absolute rarity – the oldest known volcanic rock in the Solar System Exemplar - 1.19 g - (1)

Offered here is an exceptional specimen of Erg Chech 002 (EC 002) weighing 1.19 g.


Erg Chech 002 is not merely a rare meteorite. It belongs to the most scientifically important and exclusive meteorite materials ever made available to collectors. What makes it so extraordinary is unique: EC 002 is described in the scientific literature as the oldest known volcanic rock in the Solar System—more specifically, the oldest known piece of igneous crust / oldest andesite identified so far. That alone places this material in a category of its own.


This means that EC 002 represents a time extraordinarily close to the birth of the first planetary crusts. It is not simply an unusual achondrite, but a direct remnant from the earliest known phase of volcanic activity in the Solar System. Few meteorites can claim such a position, and even fewer can offer it in a form that is also visually so compelling.


Its rarity is further underscored by the very limited known mass: the Meteoritical Bulletin records only 31.78 kg in total. Within such a restricted meteorite, pieces that are not only important scientifically but also visually striking are especially desirable. In a specimen of only 1.19 g, the clear expression of the characteristic texture becomes all the more remarkable.



Exceptional visual quality and rare internal character

This specimen stands out through the features that make Erg Chech 002 so fascinating to collectors and researchers alike. The photographs show a strong melt character, vivid internal structure, and conspicuous glassy, pyroxene-rich zones that give the piece exceptional visual life and depth.

Those pyroxene-rich, partly glass-like areas are among the most compelling aspects of EC 002. The Meteoritical Bulletin describes EC 002 as an ungrouped achondrite with pyroxene megacrysts, and that distinctive pyroxene-rich character is exactly what gives select pieces their strongest identity. In this specimen, those zones are especially frequent, clearly visible, and unusually dense across the piece as a whole. That kind of strong, almost pervasive expression is not something seen in every example.

That is precisely what gives this specimen its premium quality: it does not merely possess the scientific importance of EC 002, it visibly expresses it. The structure is complex, contrast-rich, and highly distinctive. The strong melt character reinforces this effect and gives the piece an especially dynamic and high-end appearance.



Why Erg Chech 002 is so extraordinary

Erg Chech 002 is officially classified as an ungrouped achondrite. Scientific studies identify it as a uniquely ancient volcanic meteorite, formed on an early differentiated body that had already melted and developed true igneous crust. In simple terms, this is material from a very early protoplanet—a young planetary precursor large enough to heat up, partially melt, and form distinct rock layers, yet ultimately destroyed long ago.

That is what makes EC 002 so important: it does not merely represent ancient rock, but one of the earliest known volcanic crusts ever formed in the Solar System. This is why its status among meteorites is so exceptional, and why it is considered one of the standout discoveries of recent decades.



A specimen for advanced collectors

This piece combines exactly the qualities that matter most in Erg Chech 002:

extreme rarity

exceptional scientific significance

immediate visual character

unusually strong pyroxene-rich, glassy-looking distribution

pronounced melt features

premium collector appeal despite compact size


At 1.19 g, this quality is especially impressive. Despite its compact size, the specimen shows unusually strong visual identity and scientific character. It does not present as an ordinary small fragment, but as a premium example of one of the most exclusive meteorite materials available.



Key features of this specimen

Erg Chech 002 / EC 002

weight: 1.19 g

official ungrouped achondrite classification

the oldest known volcanic rock / oldest known igneous crust material in the Solar System

total known mass only 31.78 kg

exceptionally rich in glassy, pyroxene-rich areas

unusually strong and frequent internal distribution

pronounced melt features and highly expressive texture

of outstanding scientific and collector importance




This is a rare opportunity to acquire an exceptionally high-quality specimen of one of the most exclusive meteorite materials ever discovered. In carefully selected examples like this, scientific importance, rarity, structure, and visual appeal come together in a truly remarkable way.




As a member of the International Meteorite Collectors Association (IMCA #7379) and the Global Meteorite Association (GMA #G0117), I guarantee the authenticity of every meteorite I offer. Each specimen is delivered with a certificate, ensuring an authentic, secure, and certified purchase.

Thank you and good luck!

IMCA #7379
GMA #G0117