NWA 13855 - Iron, IAB

NWA 13855 is an Iron meteorite from Algeria, found in 2019 and classified as Iron, IAB-MG. It was reportedly collected by a nomad in an undetermined location in eastern central Algeria during the winter of 2019, then purchased later that year. As an IAB-MG Iron meteorite, NWA 13855 belongs to the Main Group of IAB Irons, a chemically distinctive group known for complex formation histories involving metallic material, impacts, and in some cases silicate-bearing associations.

NWA 13855 specimens are composed primarily of iron-nickel metal and can display the structural character expected of IAB Iron meteorites when cut, polished, and etched. Prepared slices may show Widmanstätten patterns or related metallic textures, while natural pieces can preserve weathered exterior surfaces from their time on Earth. With a reported total known weight of around 2.55 kg in market listings, available material appears relatively limited compared with more common Iron meteorites.

Studying NWA 13855 provides insight into the IAB Iron meteorite group, including the complex relationship between metal formation, impact processing, and early asteroid evolution. For collectors, it offers a recognised Algerian Iron meteorite with official classification, limited known material, and the classic appeal of etched space metal. Each specimen represents ancient asteroid material preserved in metallic form for over 4.5 billion years.