Rafsa 005 Angrite Meteorite End Cut, Plutonic Angrite, 0.70g, Coarse Igneous Texture

Rafsa 005 Angrite Meteorite End Cut, Plutonic Angrite, 0.70g, Coarse Igneous TextureAn end cut from one of the rarest achondrite groups, 0. 70g of ancient igneous crust This 0. 70g end cut of Rafsa 005 exposes the interior of a plutonic angrite, a coarse grained igneous rock that crystallized slowly at depth within a small, differentiated asteroid early in solar system history. The end cut format preserves a natural exterior surface on one face while revealing the internal mineral structure on the polished cut face, giving a direct

An end cut from one of the rarest achondrite groups, 0.70g of ancient igneous crust

This 0.70g end cut of Rafsa 005 exposes the interior of a plutonic angrite, a coarse-grained igneous rock that crystallized slowly at depth within a small, differentiated asteroid early in solar system history. The end cut format preserves a natural exterior surface on one face while revealing the internal mineral structure on the polished cut face, giving a direct view of the texture that defines this classification.

Rafsa 005 was recovered in Algeria in 2023 and classified as an angrite, a group so rare that fewer than 100 members are known worldwide. The plutonic subtype is even less common, representing material from deeper within the angrite parent body rather than surface lava flows.

Structure and features

Plutonic angrites are defined by their coarse-grained igneous texture, a product of slow cooling at depth. Unlike the finer-grained basaltic angrites that represent surface flows, plutonic angrites show large, well-developed crystals of kirschsteinite (a calcium-iron olivine), augite, and anorthite plagioclase. These minerals are essentially unique to angrites, kirschsteinite is rare in any other geological context.

On the cut face of this end cut, the coarse crystalline texture is visible, with distinct mineral grains distinguishable under magnification. The natural exterior surface retains the weathering patina from the Algerian desert environment.

Scientific context

Angrites are one of the oldest and most compositionally extreme achondrite groups. They formed on a parent body that was strongly depleted in volatile elements and highly oxidized relative to most other meteorite parent bodies. Radiometric dating places angrite crystallization ages among the earliest in the solar system, some angrites formed within the first few million years after solar system formation.

The angrite parent body remains unidentified, but its extreme composition suggests a unique and poorly understood early solar system environment. Learn more about meteorite classification on our Learn About Meteorites page.

Frequently asked questions

Is this meteorite authenticated? Yes. Rafsa 005 is an officially classified meteorite. See the Meteoritical Bulletin entry for Rafsa 005. This specimen ships with a Treasure Coast Meteorite Co. certificate of authenticity.

What is the difference between an end cut and a slice? An end cut is taken from the end of a meteorite individual, preserving one natural exterior surface while exposing the interior on the cut face. A slice is cut through the interior of the stone, showing two cut faces. End cuts typically show more natural surface and less interior area than slices of equivalent weight.

What does plutonic angrite mean? Angrite refers to the meteorite group, a rare class of achondrites from a highly oxidized, volatile-depleted parent body. Plutonic means the rock crystallized slowly at depth rather than erupting as lava, resulting in the coarse grain size that distinguishes plutonic angrites from basaltic angrites.

What is included? The 0.70g end cut shown, in a display box, with a Treasure Coast Meteorite Co. certificate of authenticity.

Collector significance

Angrites as a group represent some of the most scientifically significant and collectibly scarce meteorites available. Fewer than 100 angrites are known, and plutonic angrites are a subset of that already small group. Rafsa 005, classified in 2023, is a recent addition to this exclusive catalog. For collectors building a representative achondrite or differentiated meteorite collection, an angrite is a meaningful and difficult-to-obtain specimen type.

Browse our Angrites collection or explore all Stony Meteorites.

Meteoritical Bulletin entry: Rafsa 005 | Classification: Angrite (plutonic) | Find, Algeria, 2023