{"product_id":"howardite-meteorite-nwa-17708-from-vesta-rare-achondrite-26-23g","title":"NWA 17708 Howardite Meteorite Slice, 26.23g, Rippled Fusion Crust on 50% Edge","description":"\u003ch2\u003eRippled fusion crust and impact brecciation from Vesta\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBrecciated structure and weak magnetic signature\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eScientific context\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowardites 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNWA 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. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/learn-about-meteorites\"\u003eLearn About Meteorites\u003c\/a\u003e for broader context on achondrite formation and classification systems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this meteorite authenticated?\u003c\/strong\u003e NWA 17708 received official howardite classification through the Meteoritical Society's review process. The Meteoritical Bulletin entry: \u003ca rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lpi.usra.edu\/meteor\/metbull.php?sea=NWA%2017708\u0026amp;sfor=names\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eNWA 17708\u003c\/a\u003e documents the classification details. This specimen includes a certificate of authenticity from Treasure Coast Meteorite Co.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does polymict brecciation mean?\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is included with this specimen?\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy does the fusion crust have ripples?\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCollector significance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowardites 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNWA 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 \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/howardites\"\u003eHowardites\u003c\/a\u003e collection and explore related specimens in the \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/hed-meteorites\"\u003eHED Meteorites\u003c\/a\u003e category.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMeteoritical Bulletin entry: \u003ca rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lpi.usra.edu\/meteor\/metbull.php?sea=NWA%2017708\u0026amp;sfor=names\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eNWA 17708\u003c\/a\u003e | Classification: Howardite | Find, Mali, 2024\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Treasure Coast Meteorite Co.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44732247277615,"sku":"NWA-17708-26.23G-INDIVIDUAL","price":260.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0726\/9724\/9839\/files\/IMG_6620.heic?v=1764781685","url":"https:\/\/www.tcmeteorites.com\/products\/howardite-meteorite-nwa-17708-from-vesta-rare-achondrite-26-23g","provider":"Treasure Coast Meteorite Co.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}