Ordinary chondrite, unequilibrated (L3; S4; W1)
Find, 2001; 401.9 kg, many pieces

The Sahara 02500 meteorite consists of a large number of pieces held in private hands. However, the most readily sources cited below suggest that portions, at least, of the meteorite have been partially equilibrated — perhaps in the aftermath of an intense shock-melting event. Chondrules of diverse textures are reported —barred and porphyritic olivine and olivine-pyroxene (BO,PO,POP). Composition of olivine (Fa~24) and pyroxene (Fs~20) do not display the wide variability usually reported for the more primitive unequilibrated ordinary chondrites. However, the several distinct pyroxenes (augite, diopside, pigeonite, orthopyroxene) suggest — at a minimum — that any equilibrium established was on a small scale. Minor phases include chromite, plagioclase, troilite, and phosphates. A number of small amoeboidal inclusions contribute to the meteorite's mineralogical diversity. Shock veins, glass, and mosaicism in olivine indicate moderately strong shock. Fe-Ni metal is mostly Ni-poor (Ni ~2.5% in cited literature). Sorting out the history of the meteorite's shock veins is complicated by the fact that the shock veins are also, to a large extent, weathering veins.

Most of the meteorite is held by Caillou Noir in France. Hopefully, more of the material will be available for research in coming years as the meteorite's combination of primary mineralogical diversity and strong shock have produced an unusual meteoritical melange.

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References