!!! WHOLE MAINMASS !!! NOTHING OTHER ON THE MARKET !! NWA 18160 – Complete Main Mass of 695 g - Officially Classified CO3 Carbonaceous Chondrite in Two Principal - 695 g - (2)

!!!! COMPLETE MAINMASS !!! YOU CAN BE A MAINMASS OWNER NOW !!!
NWA 18160 – Complete Main Mass of 695 g – Officially Classified CO3 Carbonaceous Chondrite in Two Principal Stones

!!! NONE OTHER OF THIS MATERIAL IS ON THE MARKET - IT THE WHOLE MAINMASS !!!

One of the most primitive and scientifically significant meteorite materials known—offered here as the complete collector-held main mass of an official classification.


CO3 carbonaceous chondrites belong to the most exclusive and scientifically valuable materials in meteoritics. They preserve chondrules, primitive matrix and early inclusions dating back to the formation of our Solar System. The calcium-aluminium-rich inclusions found in carbonaceous chondrites, known as CAIs, rank among the oldest dated solid materials in existence and formed approximately 4.567 billion years ago.


This offering, however, is not merely a small slice or representative fragment of a CO3 meteorite:

Offered here is the complete privately held main mass of NWA 18160, with a combined weight of 695 g, consisting of both associated principal stones.

The future owner will therefore not simply acquire a specimen of NWA 18160, but will become the owner of the main mass of this officially recognised meteorite classification.



The Complete Main Mass in a Single Lot

The ensemble consists of:

one completely preserved and uncut principal stone weighing 350 g
and
one 345 g principal stone with a large, highly polished cut surface.

Both stones are offered exclusively together and form the complete main mass of NWA 18160 currently held on the private collector market.

Apart from the scientifically deposited type material and polished thin section, no additional slices, end cuts or smaller fragments from this classification have been distributed on the collector market.


There is only one main mass of NWA 18160—and it is offered here in its entirety.


Official Classification and Direct Provenance

NWA 18160 is officially classified as a CO3 carbonaceous chondrite.

The two original stones were acquired by me in 2024 and scientifically analysed and classified by M. Patzek at the Institute of Planetology in Münster. I'am also officially recorded as the holder of the main mass in the Meteoritical Bulletin entry.

The scientific type specimen of 21.04 g, together with a polished thin section, remains permanently deposited at the Institute of Planetology.

The difference between the originally registered total mass of 739.09 g and the 695 g offered today is accounted for by the deposited scientific material and the unavoidable material loss caused by the saw cut and subsequent high-gloss polishing of the large presentation surface.

This provides the lot with exceptionally clear and directly traceable provenance: the main mass is offered directly by the officially documented main-mass holder.


Natural Principal Stone and a Spectacular View into the Matrix

The 350 g principal stone is completely uncut and preserves its natural shape and dark exterior on every side. It presents NWA 18160 in its original state and possesses a substantial, highly impressive presence.

From the second principal stone, the material required for scientific classification was removed by saw cut. The resulting large surface was then professionally polished to a high gloss, revealing the internal matrix and its exceptionally dense distribution of small chondrules.

The dark brown to reddish-brown surface contains countless fine rounded structures and mineral inclusions. Under direct or changing light, new chondrules, colour variations and intricate details continually become visible.

The official examination describes NWA 18160 as containing approximately 60–70 volume percent chondrules. Most are smaller than 300 micrometres, while occasional larger chondrules, numerous CAIs and amoeboid olivine aggregates are also present.



This combination gives the ensemble its extraordinary character:

The uncut stone preserves the complete natural appearance of the meteorite, while the second principal stone provides a large window into primitive CO3 material dating from the birth of our Solar System.

An Exceptional Opportunity for Discerning Collectors and Institutions

Main masses of officially classified meteorites are normally cut apart over time and distributed among numerous collectors, dealers and institutions. The name remains, but the original main mass gradually disappears.

That has not happened with NWA 18160.

The two principal stones have been preserved together and are now offered as one complete ensemble. The buyer receives:

a rare CO3 carbonaceous chondrite, both associated principal stones, one completely uncut individual, a large polished matrix rich in small chondrules, directly documented scientific provenance and the entire collector-held main mass in a single lot.

This ensemble clearly possesses museum and institutional significance. It is intended for collectors who do not merely wish to acquire a small representative specimen, but to preserve the most important surviving ensemble of an officially named meteorite.

An almost unrepeatable opportunity—not merely to own a CO3 meteorite, but to become the owner of the complete main mass of NWA 18160.





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.

The complete main mass will be supplied with a detailed Certificate of Authenticity.
Thank you and good luck with your bidding!

IMCA #7379
GMA #G0117