SKU: 43293812601

NWA 17708 Howardite Meteorite Slice, 26.23g, Rippled Fusion Crust on 50% Edge

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Description

NWA 17708 Howardite Meteorite Slice, 26.23g, Rippled Fusion Crust on 50% EdgeRippled fusion crust and impact brecciation from Vesta This 26. 23g howardite slice preserves rippled fusion crust along approximately 50% of its edge surface, documenting atmospheric entry heating from the 2024 Mali recovery. One face shows sanded texture revealing the internal brecciated structure characteristic of howardite composition. The slice displays clasts of contrasting lithologies embedded in a fine grained matrix, physical evidence of

Rippled fusion crust and impact brecciation from Vesta

This 26.23g howardite slice preserves rippled fusion crust along approximately 50% of its edge surface, documenting atmospheric entry heating from the 2024 Mali recovery. One face shows sanded texture revealing the internal brecciated structure characteristic of howardite composition. The slice displays clasts of contrasting lithologies embedded in a fine-grained matrix, physical evidence of impact mixing between eucritic basaltic material and diogenitic orthopyroxene on Vesta's surface.

The specimen measures large enough to observe the relationship between dark eucritic fragments and lighter diogenitic components under magnification. Surface contrast between the rippled fusion crust and the sanded interior face provides clear visualization of both exterior heating effects and interior mechanical mixing processes.

Brecciated structure and weak magnetic signature

The slice exhibits polymict brecciation with angular clasts ranging from submillimeter to several millimeters embedded in a comminuted matrix. This texture results from repeated impact gardening of Vesta's regolith, mechanically mixing debris from both the upper basaltic crust and deeper orthopyroxenite layers. The howardite composition shows very weak to non-existent magnetic response, consistent with HED achondrites formed in an oxidized environment lacking metallic iron.

The sanded face reveals grain boundaries and clast margins where eucritic and diogenitic components meet. Fusion crust rippling along the edge indicates stable orientation during atmospheric passage, with aerodynamic heating creating wavelike surface texture before the meteoroid fragmented.

Scientific context

Howardites form the brecciated component of the HED meteorite suite, which NASA's Dawn mission confirmed originated from asteroid 4 Vesta through spectroscopic matching in 2011-2012. These meteorites sample both the basaltic crust and ultramafic mantle of a differentiated protoplanet that survived intact from the solar system's first 10 million years. Impact events on Vesta excavated deep craters, mixing surface basalts with mantle orthopyroxenites and ejecting the combined debris into Earth-crossing orbits.

NWA 17708 represents material from Vesta's regolith layer, where billions of years of impacts mechanically processed crustal and mantle fragments into the polymict breccia now classified as howardite. The specimen provides direct access to protoplanetary differentiation processes that operated when planets were still forming. Learn About Meteorites for broader context on achondrite formation and classification systems.

Frequently asked questions

Is this meteorite authenticated? NWA 17708 received official howardite classification through the Meteoritical Society's review process. The Meteoritical Bulletin entry: NWA 17708 documents the classification details. This specimen includes a certificate of authenticity from Treasure Coast Meteorite Co.

What does polymict brecciation mean? Polymict indicates the breccia contains fragments from multiple distinct rock types, in this case, both eucritic basalt and diogenitic orthopyroxenite. These components mixed mechanically through impact processes on Vesta's surface rather than melting together, preserving individual clast identities within the matrix.

What is included with this specimen? The listing includes the 26.23g howardite slice, certificate of authenticity from Treasure Coast Meteorite Co., custom specimen card with classification details, and protective gembox display case.

Why does the fusion crust have ripples? Rippled or wavelike fusion crust texture forms when a meteoroid maintains stable orientation during atmospheric entry. Aerodynamic heating creates surface flow patterns in the melted exterior before the meteoroid breaks apart, freezing the ripple pattern as the crust rapidly cools.

Collector significance

Howardites represent less than 8% of all classified meteorite falls, making them substantially less common than ordinary chondrites or iron meteorites. This specimen combines display-quality size at 26.23g with preserved fusion crust, providing both scientific interest and visual appeal. The sanded face allows direct observation of the brecciated interior structure, while the natural fusion-crusted edge documents atmospheric entry processes.

NWA 17708 entered the collection market following 2024 recovery in Mali, offering recent classification data and fresh material for collectors building HED suites. The specimen serves both as a Vesta sample and as documentation of regolith processes on differentiated asteroids. Browse additional confirmed Vesta material in our Howardites collection and explore related specimens in the HED Meteorites category.

Meteoritical Bulletin entry: NWA 17708 | Classification: Howardite | Find, Mali, 2024

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SKU: 43293812601

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Joy
Phoenix, US
★★★★★ 5
Build w/ a Friend, and BYOL (Bring Your Own Level)
Size: 4-tier, Style: wall mount&floor mount
Definitely a two-person job. Not because it's heavy, but a little awkward at first. I installed the first bracket, and my 12 yo assisted. Then, she hung the second bracket, and I assisted. Have a level handy. I didn't want to roll the dice and allow her to hang from the bracket, but it seems super-strong. We hung the brackets 32" apart, and 6" overhang, i.e. 48" x 12" laminate shelves. Gorgeous.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 12, 2025
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Starling Bissette
Omaha, US
★★★★★ 5
Nice, sturdy kit...would buy again!
Size: 4-tier, Style: wall mount&floor mount, Size: 4-tier, Style: wall mount&floor mount
Purchasing this kit instead of each piece of pipe and fittings required was a no-brainer. It was especially easy because all pieces are prepainted. It went together with ease. Mounting was simple with planning, measurements, and a level. *Note* I purchase the pine stair treads from Home Depot that are 1" thick and then chemically aged them before adding polycrylic. It is cheaper than plywood and shelving boards, and a full 1" thick rather than 1x12 shelving.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 28, 2021
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Tei
Cuba, US
★★★★★ 5
Looks amazing!
Size: 4-tier, Style: wall mount&floor mount, Size: 4-tier, Style: wall mount&floor mount
Very straight forward to build. Mine was not hard but to a bit more effort because my ceiling is at an angle so I had to get a little creative. I cut a piece of wood and placed it between the ceiling and one of the arms for it to be even. It’s also not completely even cause I didn’t have a long level but still looks amazing.
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Reviewed in the United States on August 12, 2023
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Michael Riley Jr.
Boise, US
★★★★★ 5
Great product if you know what you’re getting.
Size: 4-tier, Style: wall mount&floor mount, Size: 4-tier, Style: wall mount&floor mount
It’s a great product if you know some details before you purchase. Specifically, for how much it cost it’s a great product. After assembly it is sturdy and will hold anything you’ll be displaying on it within reason. Speaking of assembly, it’s straight forward and intuitive if you’ve assembled other things such as a basic end table. What you should know: it does not come with instructions. It’s not hard to figure out but if you’re someone that needs instructions this product isn’t for you. That being said, if you see what you bought it’s not hard to look at the picture and assemble it. It does not come with the shelves. If you can’t buy them premise or make them then this product is not for you. Lastly, and this part is important to me, not all the pieces are straight after assembly. I used a level to mount the product on the wall and make each shelve straight. However, due to the factory produced screw grooves it is not perfectly straight. If you need it perfectly level looking this product is not for you. Refer to my pictures and you’ll see how the left bar looks crooked even though I mounted it level in every way. However, it gives it a more rustic, modern farmhouse feel that we wanted. Otherwise, a great product. I am still very happy for what we paid for. I would recommend the product and buy it again.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 6, 2022
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Dee Davis
Natrona Heights, US
★★★★★ 5
Great product!
Size: 4-tier, Style: wall mount&floor mount, Size: 4-tier, Style: wall mount&floor mount
This is my second time purchasing these shelves. They are easy to set up, come with all the screws, brackets, and drywall anchors (if needed). I definitely love the quality, look and versatility. Being that my ceiling is slanted I couldn’t mount them from there but easily mount them to the surface beneath the shelving. My husband loved my idea and how they turned out! Highly recommend!
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Reviewed in the United States on August 8, 2024

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