NWA 17708 Howardite Meteorite Part Slice, Achondrite, 12.00g, Fusion Crust Preserved

Fresh Vestan regolith breccia with preserved fusion crust

This 12.00g part slice of NWA 17708 preserves approximately 50% fusion crust coverage along its edge surfaces, exhibiting the glossy black exterior formed during atmospheric entry. The sanded interior face exposes contrasting lithologies characteristic of impact-mixed Vestan material. Light-toned eucritic clasts appear embedded within darker diogenitic fragments and fine-grained matrix, creating a mosaic that records the violent collisions that shaped asteroid 4 Vesta's surface billions of years ago.

The specimen measures suitable for hand examination while maintaining significant mass for a newly classified howardite. The fusion crust's preservation on half the edge perimeter makes this slice particularly valuable for study, as it displays both the meteorite's exterior shell and interior brecciated structure in a single piece.

Brecciation and clast structure

The sanded face reveals the complex brecciation that defines howardites as polymict regolith breccias. Eucritic clasts, composed of basaltic plagioclase and pyroxene, contrast visually with the orthopyroxene-rich diogenitic material. These lithologies do not represent a single impact event but rather the accumulated debris of countless collisions in Vesta's regolith over geological time.

The fine-grained matrix binding these clasts consists of pulverized eucritic and diogenitic material, shock-welded by impact pressures. This matrix-clast relationship distinguishes howardites from both pure eucrites and pure diogenites, making them critical for understanding impact gardening processes on differentiated asteroids.

Scientific context

NWA 17708 originates from asteroid 4 Vesta, the second-largest body in the main asteroid belt and the only differentiated asteroid confirmed to have survived largely intact since the solar system's formation. NASA's Dawn mission data directly links the HED meteorite group to Vesta through spectroscopic matching, making howardites like this specimen verified samples of a world we have photographed and studied from orbit.

Howardites formed in Vesta's regolith layer, where repeated impacts mixed material from the asteroid's basaltic crust (eucrites) with fragments from its exposed mantle (diogenites). This mixing occurred primarily in the Rheasilvia basin, a massive impact structure near Vesta's south pole that excavated deep enough to expose mantle material. Learn About Meteorites provides additional context on how impact processes create these mixed achondrites.

Frequently asked questions

Is this meteorite authenticated? NWA 17708 is classified as a howardite in the Meteoritical Bulletin Database. You can verify its classification at Meteoritical Bulletin entry. Every specimen includes a certificate of authenticity from Treasure Coast Meteorite Co.

What does howardite mean? Howardites are polymict breccias containing both eucritic (basaltic) and diogenitic (orthopyroxene-rich) material mixed by impacts in Vesta's regolith. The name comes from English chemist Edward Howard, who studied the first scientifically recognized meteorite fall in 1802.

What is included with this specimen? This listing includes the 12.00g part slice, certificate of authenticity, custom specimen card with classification details, and protective gembox display case.

What is the fusion crust on this specimen? The black glassy coating on approximately 50% of the edge surfaces formed when the meteorite's exterior melted during atmospheric passage. This crust preserves flow features and provides visual contrast with the interior brecciated material.

Display-ready Vestan sample with scientific documentation

This slice offers collectors a balance of size, fusion crust preservation, and visible brecciation structure. The 12.00g mass provides substantial presence for display while remaining accessible for collectors building comprehensive achondrite collections. The sanded face allows direct observation of clast boundaries and matrix composition without magnification.

NWA 17708 was recovered in Mali in 2024 and represents recently classified Vestan material available to collectors. The partial fusion crust coverage adds visual interest and scientific value, as specimens showing both exterior and interior characteristics in a single slice are particularly desirable for educational collections. Browse additional verified asteroid samples in our HED Meteorites collection.

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