SKU: 28710012421

Murchison CM2 Carbonaceous Chondrite Meteorite Slice, 2.18g, Polished, Organic-Rich Matrix

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Description

Murchison CM2 Carbonaceous Chondrite Meteorite Slice, 2.18g, Polished, Organic-Rich MatrixPolished slice from the most scientifically significant carbonaceous chondrite This 2. 18g polished slice of Murchison reveals the dark, fine grained matrix characteristic of CM2 carbonaceous chondrites. The polish brings out subtle variations in texture where embedded chondrules meet the organic rich groundmass. Murchison fell in Victoria, Australia on September 28, 1969, fragmenting over the town and scattering over 100 kilograms of material that

Polished slice from the most scientifically significant carbonaceous chondrite

This 2.18g polished slice of Murchison reveals the dark, fine-grained matrix characteristic of CM2 carbonaceous chondrites. The polish brings out subtle variations in texture where embedded chondrules meet the organic-rich groundmass. Murchison fell in Victoria, Australia on September 28, 1969, fragmenting over the town and scattering over 100 kilograms of material that scientists continue to study five decades later.

The slice shows the heterogeneous interior structure typical of CM chondrites: spherical chondrules suspended in a carbon-bearing matrix that formed before Earth existed. This specimen displays visible chondrules against the darker matrix, offering a direct view of materials that aggregated in the outer solar nebula 4.6 billion years ago.

Matrix composition and chondrule structure

CM2 chondrites contain a matrix dominated by phyllosilicates, hydrated minerals that formed when liquid water altered the original rock in the parent asteroid. This aqueous alteration occurred early in solar system history, making Murchison a record of water-rock interactions that predate Earth's formation. The matrix comprises approximately 70% of the meteorite's volume, with embedded chondrules ranging from submillimeter to several millimeters in diameter.

The chondrules visible in this slice formed as molten droplets in the solar nebula, cooling rapidly to preserve igneous textures. Their presence alongside hydrated minerals demonstrates that Murchison's parent body experienced both high-temperature nebular processes and later aqueous alteration. The polish enhances the contrast between the darker matrix and lighter chondrule materials.

Scientific context

Murchison originated in the outer asteroid belt, where temperatures remained low enough for volatile compounds to condense and persist. The CM2 classification indicates moderate aqueous alteration, less altered than CM1 meteorites but more altered than CM3. This intermediate state preserves both presolar grains and organic molecules while showing clear evidence of water activity.

Scientists have identified over 70 amino acids in Murchison, most of which do not occur in terrestrial biology. The meteorite also contains presolar silicon carbide and diamond grains that formed in other stellar systems before our sun existed. These discoveries established carbonaceous chondrites as carriers of organic molecules to early Earth. Learn About Meteorites explores how different meteorite types formed and what they reveal about solar system history.

Frequently asked questions

Is this meteorite authenticated? Murchison is classified as CM2 in the Meteoritical Bulletin. Search the database: Murchison. This specimen includes a certificate of authenticity from Treasure Coast Meteorite Co.

What does CM2 classification mean? CM designates the Mighei chemical group of carbonaceous chondrites, characterized by abundant phyllosilicates and organic matter. The number 2 indicates the petrologic type, representing moderate aqueous alteration. CM2 chondrites experienced enough water activity to alter primary minerals but retained distinct chondrules and presolar components.

What is included with this specimen? You receive the 2.18g polished Murchison slice and a certificate of authenticity. No display stand is included with this specimen.

Why is Murchison considered scientifically important? Murchison is the most extensively studied carbonaceous chondrite because of its large recovered mass, fresh condition at time of fall, and exceptional preservation of organic compounds. It has been the subject of thousands of research papers across disciplines from cosmochemistry to astrobiology, contributing fundamental data about solar system formation and the delivery of organic molecules to planetary surfaces.

How do I care for a carbonaceous chondrite? Store Murchison in a dry environment. The meteorite contains hygroscopic minerals that can absorb atmospheric moisture. Avoid handling the specimen directly; oils from skin can affect the surface. Keep the specimen in its protective container when not displayed.

Acquisition opportunity for astrobiology research material

Murchison occupies a singular position in meteorite collections because its scientific importance extends beyond meteoritics into astrobiology, organic geochemistry, and stellar evolution. The 1969 fall occurred at an ideal time, researchers could apply new analytical techniques to fresh material, establishing Murchison as the reference standard for carbonaceous chondrite studies. This 2.18g slice provides access to the same material that laboratories worldwide use for cutting-edge research.

The specimen's polished surface allows direct observation of features that define CM2 chondrites: the dark matrix resulting from fine-grained phyllosilicates, embedded chondrules preserving igneous textures, and the overall texture that formed through parent body processes. For collectors building representative suites of meteorite types, Murchison is the essential carbonaceous chondrite. Carbonaceous Chondrites includes other specimens from this scientifically rich class of meteorites.

Meteoritical Bulletin entry: Murchison | Classification: CM2 | Fall, Australia, 1969

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SKU: 28710012421

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Amazon Customer
Waukegan, US
★★★★★ 5
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Format: Kindle
There were so many great excerpts throughout the book that my highlights filled 16 pages in MS Word. This is a must read for all Pentagon personnel, those in operational commands, the acquisition community, and defense industry. Chris' insights as McCain's advisor were invaluable to understand the nuances and competing incentives of the DoD, industry, and Congressional perspectives. "The problem is that America is playing a losing game. Over many decades we have built our military around small numbers of large, expensive, exquisite, heavily manned, and hard to replace platforms that struggle to close the kill chain as one battle network. China, meanwhile, has built large numbers of multi million dollar weapons to find and attack America’s small numbers of exponentially more expensive military platforms." "It requires a sweeping redesign of the American military: from a military built around small numbers of large, expensive, exquisite, heavily manned, and hard to replace platforms to a military built around large numbers of smaller, lower cost, expendable, and highly autonomous machines." "New technologies alone will not save us. We need new thinking — an ambitious effort to reimagine the ends, ways, and means of US military power, as well as the role of our allies in this effort — to succeed in a future world where America’s military superiority will likely erode further if China’s military technological development continues."
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Reviewed in the United States on May 9, 2020
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Dick Martin
Whiting, US
★★★★★ 5
The Real Arms Race
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I am a life-long Democrat, supposed to bristle at the very idea of military spending. Brose's book convinced me the problem is not how much we spend, but what we're spending it on. "Kill chain" is military-speak for the three phases of combat -- figuring out what's going on, deciding what to do about it, and taking effective action. Brose spells out how technology changed all three phases while the Defense Department and its minders in Congress weren't paying attention. The result has been to significantly undermine our military preparedness and, more importantly, the ultimate goal of deterrence. For all the money we're spending, Brose shows how it's mostly on the wrong things, i.e., large, expensive platforms that are only incremental improvements over prior systems designed for different times. He shows how the military-industrial complex, abetted by a Congress invested in the status quo, is arming our military with technology inferior to what you'd find in a modern automobile. The development of the Internet may have been kick-started by the defense department back in the 1960s, but the information revolution that followed largely left the U.S. military behind. Meanwhile, potential adversaries are compensating for relatively lower defense budgets by exploiting emerging technologies that could change the character of war, raising multiple ethical, geo-political, and governance issues. The Kill Chain is compelling, scary, and must-reading for our political leaders and all intelligent voters.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 28, 2020
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Peter A. Scala
Charlottesville, US
★★★★★ 5
Well written and thought-out approach to change DoD acquisition
Format: Hardcover
I'm a Navy acquisition manager and former Navy officer. I very strongly recommend this book as required reading for Pentagon (especially flag officers and SESs), congressional staffs, defense contractors and those who would be defense contractors, Silicon Valley companies, and everyone who cares about the future of the United States. The author expertly characterizes the current world situation and the issues with DoD acquisition practices. He is not brutal about it, but fair. He explains the background and history behind how we got to where we are, and identifies a path forward. I believe that following the approach recommended is very hard, but very worth while. The author worked for Senator McCain for almost ten years, and it is clear that this book benefits from his experience. My only gripe (and it is a minor one) is that very occasionally the author allows his feelings about Trump to manifest in a negative way. This is often justified, but it shouldn't be so one-sided. Nevertheless, this book is must-read, and deserves five stars.
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Reviewed in the United States on January 2, 2021
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Craig Hart
Boise, US
★★★★★ 4
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I enjoyed the book. I wish the average American would take more of an interest in these kinds of issues facing the U S in the China sea region of the world.
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A sobering review of how to efficiently kill one another.
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