Lot 1655
Meteorite Comet Fragment. The Murchison meteorites are among the most important and well studied meteorites ever discovered. They landed in Australia in 1969 and were found to be the most primitive meteorites known, virtually unchanged since they formed at the same time as the solar system 4.57 billion years ago. Murchison meteorites contain 12 percent water and many organic compounds which make them very different from most meteorites that originate in the asteroid belt. NASA planetary scientists consider Murchison to be cometary in origin, being a piece of the comet nucleus which broke off during a comet's journey around the sun. What makes Murchison even more special is that it contains over 80 different amino acids. On Earth there are only 19 different amino acids that make up all living creatures, while Murchison contains these 19 plus 61 other amino acids. The presence of amino acids in a meteorite gives us a good idea as to the possible source of the building blocks of life. This sizable, black colored Murchison specimen features gray spherical chondrules and weighs 0.963 grams and is 14 x 11 mm, housed in a special membrane box for observation on all sides.
Add $15.00 for domestic shipping.
Estimated Value $300 - 425.
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