NWA 14682 is a rare unbrecciated eucrite discovered in Northwest Africa in 2020. This HED achondrite likely originates from the surface of asteroid Vesta and features a beautiful, evenly grained basaltic texture composed of pyroxene and plagioclase. A highly aesthetic and scientifically valuable collector’s piece. More
NWA 14682 is an officially classified eucrite, unbrecciated — a pristine basaltic achondrite belonging to the HED meteorite group, thought to originate from the differentiated asteroid Vesta. It was found in Northwest Africa in 2020, with a main mass of approximately 14 kg.
The meteorite displays a characteristic medium-grained, equigranular basaltic texture, dominated by dark pyroxenes and light plagioclase. Petrographic studies indicate a thermally equilibrated structure with no brecciation. Mineral analyses show pyroxenes of composition Fs ~62, Wo ~2 and plagioclase around An85, consistent with highly metamorphosed type-6 eucrites. It contains accessory phases such as ilmenite and troilite, while metallic Fe-Ni is absent.
NWA 14682 is both an attractive and scientifically important specimen, offering an excellent representation of magmatic processes on the surface of its parent asteroid. Its clean structure, strong crystallinity, and aesthetic appearance make it an ideal addition to advanced collections, educational displays, and research-focused assortments.