NWA 13683
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Discover our collection of NWA 13683 Rumuruti Chondrite, one of the rarest officially recognised Rumuruti meteorites available to collectors. With a total known weight of just 1,959 grams, this remarkable stony meteorite preserves multiple stages of asteroid evolution within a single specimen, making it scientifically significant as well as exceptionally scarce.
Officially recognised by the Meteoritical Society, Northwest Africa (NWA) 13683 was recovered in the Adrar region of Algeria in 2018 and formally approved in 2021. It is classified as a Rumuruti Chondrite (R3–6) Genomict Breccia, indicating that it contains fragments that have experienced different degrees of thermal metamorphism before being naturally cemented together within its parent asteroid.
Rumuruti chondrites are among the rarest groups of ordinary stony meteorites. Unlike the more common H, L and LL chondrites, they contain very little metallic iron-nickel, as most of the iron has been chemically oxidised into minerals. Their distinctive mineralogy, oxygen isotope composition and sulphide-rich chondrules make them immediately recognisable to meteoriticists and highly desirable to specialist collectors.
The Rumuruti group takes its name from the Rumuruti meteorite, which fell near Rumuruti, Kenya, in 1934. As the first recognised member of this rare class, it established an entirely new meteorite classification that continues to provide valuable insights into the early Solar System.
Current research suggests that many Rumuruti meteorites originated within the regolith—the loose layer of fragmented rock and dust covering the surface of their parent asteroid. NWA 13683's genomict breccia texture is consistent with this interpretation, preserving abundant primitive chondrules surrounded by sulphide-rich material alongside recrystallised clasts. Together, these features record multiple geological events that occurred long before the meteorite's journey to Earth.
These characteristics make NWA 13683 an exceptional meteorite for both scientific study and private collections. Its rarity, well-documented classification and complex geological history offer collectors the opportunity to own a specimen representing some of the earliest processes that shaped our Solar System over 4.56 billion years ago.
Our collection showcases authentic NWA 13683 specimens selected for their provenance, recognised classification and scientific significance.
As our collection continues to grow, additional NWA 13683 specimens and preparations will be added.
Official Classification
| Property | Information |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Northwest Africa 13683 |
| Meteorite Type | Stony Meteorite |
| Classification | Rumuruti Chondrite (R3–6), Genomict Breccia |
| Find or Fall | Find |
| Country of Recovery | Algeria |
| Locality | Adrar Region |
| Year Found | 2018 |
| Year Approved | 2021 |
| Total Known Weight | 1,959g |
| Official Database | Meteoritical Bulletin Database |
Why Collect NWA 13683?
- Officially classified as a Rumuruti Chondrite (R3–6) Genomict Breccia.
- Total known weight of only 1,959 grams, making it exceptionally scarce.
- Preserves multiple stages of asteroid evolution within a single meteorite.
- Contains abundant primitive chondrules with distinctive sulphide-rich mineralogy.
- Represents one of the rarest recognised Rumuruti meteorites available to collectors.
- An outstanding specimen for meteorite collections, planetary science and educational displays.
Featured Specimens
Our collection may include:
- Raw Specimens
- Complete Individuals
- Cut Specimens
- End Cuts
- Collector Display Specimens
- Research Quality Specimens
As our collection grows, additional NWA 13683 specimens and preparations will become available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is NWA 13683?
NWA 13683 is an officially recognised Rumuruti Chondrite (R3–6) recovered in Algeria and approved by the Meteoritical Society in 2021. It is one of the rarest Rumuruti meteorites available to collectors.
What is a Rumuruti chondrite?
Rumuruti chondrites are a rare class of ordinary stony meteorites characterised by highly oxidised minerals, very little metallic iron-nickel and distinctive sulphide-rich chondrules. They are named after the Rumuruti meteorite that fell in Kenya in 1934.
What makes NWA 13683 scientifically important?
NWA 13683 is classified as a genomict breccia, preserving fragments that experienced different degrees of thermal metamorphism within its parent asteroid. This provides valuable evidence of asteroid evolution and impact processes during the early history of the Solar System.
Where was NWA 13683 found?
It was recovered in the Adrar region of Algeria in Northwest Africa during 2018.
Why is the total known weight important?
With an officially recorded total known weight of only 1,959 grams, NWA 13683 is considerably rarer than many meteorites available on the collector market, increasing both its scientific significance and collectability.
Is every NWA 13683 specimen unique?
Yes. Every specimen differs naturally in shape, texture, weathering, mineral distribution and internal structure, making each piece completely unique.
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References
- Meteoritical Bulletin Database – Northwest Africa 13683 (Meteorite No. 73704)
- Meteoritical Society Classification Committee
- Irving, A. J. et al., Official Classification of Northwest Africa 13683
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