Northwest Africa 725 (NWA 725) is an acapulcoite achondrite found in Morocco.
As defined by the Meteoritical Society, members of the acapulcoite-lodranite group of meteorites are equigranular primitive achondrites that show subchondritic compositions, with mineral assemblages similar to, but distinct from, ordinary chondrites. Acapulcoites are finer grained than lodranites and some rare members contain relict chondrules. Based on their bulk composition and broadly chondritic mineralogy, acapulcoite-lodranite meteorites likely formed as the result of partial melting of a chondritic precursor.
Center Assistant Research Scientist Dr. Jemma Davidson and Center Interim Director Dr. Devin Schrader are co-authors of a recent paper on the origins of the acapulcoite-lodranite family – click here to learn more!
Photo by L. Garvie and © ASU/CMS.