Micrometeorite NMM 4808 is a porphyritic olivine (PO) type with a natural hole through it!
The ~0.3 mm cosmic spherule is made of olivine (the MG-variety, forsterite) crystals in dark chondritic glass. In addition to small gas vesicles on the surface, there is a stunning natural hole right through the stone. This was caused by expanding and escaping volatiles during formation at atmospheric entry and frictional flash heating. On top of everything, there is also a small nickel-iron metal bead on the surface. 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. One of only two I’ve seen with a hole through it!
NMM 4808 - 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.