NWA 17708 Howardite Meteorite Part Slice, Achondrite, 4.24g, Fresh Fusion Crust

Fresh fusion crust on brecciated Vestan material

This 4.24g part slice of NWA 17708 retains approximately 50% fresh fusion crust along its edge, providing direct evidence of atmospheric entry heating. The sanded interior face exposes the brecciated texture characteristic of howardites, with contrasting lithologic clasts embedded throughout a fine-grained matrix. The specimen balances exterior preservation with internal structural visibility.

NWA 17708 was recovered in Mali in 2024 and classified as a howardite, part of the HED achondrite group. The part slice form shows both the exterior fusion crust and the complex interior brecciation pattern formed during impact events on Vesta's surface.

Brecciated structure and surface features

The sanded face reveals clasts of varying composition distributed through a darker matrix, representing mixed eucritic and diogenitic material. The brecciation formed when high-energy impacts on Vesta's surface pulverized and recompacted different crustal rock types. This mixing process created the heterogeneous texture visible in the polished section.

The fusion crust along the edge displays the black, glassy coating formed during the meteorite's passage through Earth's atmosphere. The preserved crust provides a textbook example of atmospheric ablation features. The weak magnetic response typical of HED achondrites confirms the absence of significant metal content.

Scientific context

Howardites formed on asteroid 4 Vesta, the second-largest body in the asteroid belt and the only differentiated asteroid large enough to retain a basaltic crust. NASA's Dawn mission confirmed Vesta as the HED parent body through spectroscopic analysis matching orbital data with meteorite specimens. Howardites represent the mixed surface regolith of Vesta, created when impacts blended the deeper diogenitic material with the surface eucritic basalts.

The HED group provides critical data about planetary differentiation processes in the early solar system. Vesta's differentiated structure -- iron core, olivine mantle, and basaltic crust -- mirrors the internal structure of terrestrial planets, making HED meteorites essential for understanding planetary formation. Learn About Meteorites to explore how classification systems organize these diverse specimens.

Frequently asked questions

Is this meteorite authenticated? Yes, NWA 17708 is officially classified in the Meteoritical Bulletin as a howardite achondrite. You can verify the classification through the Meteoritical Bulletin database. This specimen includes a certificate of authenticity from Treasure Coast Meteorite Co.

What is a howardite? A howardite is a brecciated achondrite composed of mixed eucritic and diogenitic fragments. These meteorites formed in Vesta's regolith layer when asteroid impacts pulverized and mixed different crustal rock types together.

What is included with this specimen? You receive the 4.24g part slice, certificate of authenticity, specimen card with classification details, and protective gembox display case.

Why does this specimen have weak magnetism? HED achondrites like howardites contain minimal metallic iron, consisting primarily of silicate minerals. This produces the weak to negligible magnetic response typical of differentiated achondrites from Vesta.

Display-ready Vestan specimen at accessible size

This 4.24g slice provides entry to HED collecting at a manageable price point while maintaining scientific significance. The preserved fusion crust adds visual interest and authenticity markers that many collectors prioritize. The part slice format combines displayability with structural detail visibility.

Howardites represent approximately 20% of all HED falls, making them less common than eucrites but more available than diogenites. The 2024 classification date places NWA 17708 among recently recognized Vestan material. Browse the complete Howardites collection or explore related HED Meteorites specimens from Vesta.

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