Erg Chech 002 – absolute rarity – the oldest known volcanic rock in the Solar System - Exceptionally Rich in Green, Glass-Lustrous Orthopyroxene Structures - 0.89 g - (1)

Erg Chech 002 – 0,89 g – Exceptionally Rich in Green, Glass-Lustrous Orthopyroxene Structures

The outstanding feature of this 0,89 g specimen of Erg Chech 002 is its exceptionally rich distribution of green orthopyroxene structures.


Numerous crystals and elongated, glass-lustrous pyroxene areas run through the specimen like fine green lines. They create a striking contrast with the pale beige-golden matrix and give the meteorite an unusually vivid, almost gemstone-like appearance. For a specimen of this compact size, a remarkable amount of the characteristic green material is visible.


Considerably Greener and More Brilliant in Person

Unfortunately, the true appearance of these structures is difficult to capture accurately in photographs. Due to reflections and the angle of illumination, many of the green lines and crystals appear dark or almost black in the images.

In person, however, they display clearly visible olive-green to deep-green tones with a pronounced glass-like lustre. When the specimen is moved under the light, new crystal surfaces and delicate green structures repeatedly flash into view. This gives the meteorite a depth and brilliance that static photographs can only partially reproduce.

It is precisely this unusually strong distribution of green, glass-lustrous orthopyroxene crystals that makes the specimen especially desirable. These structures are not limited to a few isolated areas but define the entire visual character of the piece.


Yet Erg Chech 002 is not only visually extraordinary. EC 002 is regarded as the oldest known rock from an igneous planetary crust and is frequently described as the oldest known volcanic rock in our Solar System. It crystallised approximately 4.565 billion years ago, at a time when the first differentiated protoplanets and their earliest crusts were forming.

This is therefore not simply a rare achondrite, but an authentic fragment from one of the earliest known stages of planetary development. The rock formed on a very early differentiated protoplanet that had already generated enough internal heat to partially melt and develop a true igneous crust.

Erg Chech 002 was discovered in Algeria in 2020 and is officially classified as an ungrouped achondrite. Among the most characteristic features of this unique andesitic rock are its distinctive greenish orthopyroxene megacrysts, which give selected specimens their unmistakable appearance.


What makes this particular piece especially remarkable is the combination of:

exceptional scientific importance, extreme age, very limited available mass and an unusually rich distribution of green, glass-lustrous orthopyroxene lines and crystals.

Despite weighing only 0,89g, this specimen does not appear like an ordinary small fragment. Its contrasting structure, numerous green crystalline areas and vivid lustre give it a remarkably strong visual presence.

A rare opportunity to acquire an especially expressive specimen of one of the most scientifically significant and exclusive meteorite materials discovered in recent decades—a tangible fragment of the oldest known igneous crust in our Solar System.




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 specimen will, of course, be supplied with a corresponding Certificate of Authenticity, allowing you to bid with complete confidence.

Thank you and good luck with your bidding!

IMCA #7379
GMA #G0117