Micrometeorite NMM 4809 is a porphyritic olivine (PO) type with a large metal bead.
The 0.3 mm black cosmic spherule is a porphyritic type tending towards barred olivine, possibly a transitional stage. The olivine (forsterite, the Mg-variety) appears both as large crystals in abundant glass and as stripy BO (barred olivine). On the surface of the glass are huge magnetite crystals. But the striking feature is the golden nickel-iron bead. This is a real treasure from Space! The stone was found on September 13, 2023, during fieldwork searching for micrometeorites on the roof of Vestby Storsenter, Viken, Norway. This is a unique museum-quality micrometeorite, a jewel in any collection.
NMM 4809 - Vestby (Storsenter)
PROVENANCE: The catalogue number refers to the NMM archive, the index of Jon Larsen’s Project Stardust collection, which is the reference collection for urban micrometeorites. The stone was found, curated, and selected by Larsen. It is in pristine condition, fresh from Space.
VERIFICATION: The MM has been confirmed extraterrestrial by visual identification and/or SEM/EDS analysis by Jon Larsen. The stone is mounted on a signed durable aluminium/glass/cardboard microslide and is delivered together with a signed Certificate of Authenticity, and a photo file.