NWA 17298 Ordinary Chondrite Meteorite End Cut, L6, 209.51g, Partial Fusion Crust

End cut exposing interior structure

This 209.51g end cut from NWA 17298 presents a cross-sectional view through an L6 ordinary chondrite, with one face polished to reveal densely packed chondrules and the opposite surface retaining dark fusion crust. The cut exposes the recrystallized interior texture characteristic of petrologic type 6 material, where chondrule boundaries remain visible but have been metamorphically modified by prolonged heating within the parent asteroid. Thick shock melt veins traverse the cut surface, documenting impact events that fractured and partially melted this material during collisions in the asteroid belt.

The preserved fusion crust provides direct evidence of atmospheric entry, forming as surface material ablated and melted during deceleration through Earth's atmosphere. End cuts like this specimen serve dual purposes in collections: the polished window permits examination of internal composition and texture, while the natural exterior documents the meteorite's passage from space to ground.

Interior texture and shock features

The polished cut face reveals the recrystallized matrix and modified chondrules typical of type 6 ordinary chondrites, which experienced temperatures between 700-950°C during metamorphism on the parent body. Chondrule outlines persist despite recrystallization, appearing as slightly darker or lighter regions within the equilibrated matrix. Dark shock melt veins cut through the interior, representing localized melting along fracture planes during high-velocity impacts. These veins contrast sharply against the lighter chondritic background, creating visual structure across the cut surface.

The fusion crust on the exterior preserves the vesicular, glassy texture formed during atmospheric ablation. This black coating adheres to the original surface contours of the meteorite fragment, showing where material vaporized under extreme frictional heating during entry.

Scientific context

L6 chondrites represent the most thermally metamorphosed members of the low-iron ordinary chondrite group, having resided deep within their parent asteroid where radiogenic heating drove mineral equilibration and textural modification. Despite this thermal processing, these meteorites preserve the fundamental chondrule structures that formed 4.567 billion years ago in the solar nebula, making them direct samples of planet-building materials. The L chondrites likely originate from a single parent body that experienced a major disruption approximately 470 million years ago, producing a shower of fragments that continues to supply meteorites to Earth today. Learn About Meteorites to understand how classification systems distinguish between chondrite groups and petrologic types.

Frequently asked questions

Is this meteorite authenticated? NWA 17298 is classified as an L6 ordinary chondrite in the Meteoritical Bulletin Database. View the official entry here: NWA 17298. This specimen includes a certificate of authenticity documenting its classification and provenance.

What does L6 classification mean? The "L" designates low total iron content (19-22% by mass) within the ordinary chondrite group, while "6" indicates the highest degree of thermal metamorphism, where minerals have equilibrated and chondrule boundaries have become indistinct but still visible.

What is included with this specimen? This listing includes the 209.51g meteorite end cut and certificate of authenticity. No display stand is included.

What are shock melt veins? These dark features form when impact energy locally melts meteorite material along fracture planes. The melt cools rapidly to form glassy or fine-crystalline veins that record the violent collision history of the parent asteroid.

Why does this specimen preserve fusion crust? End cuts retain fusion crust on exterior surfaces that were not removed during sectioning. This allows simultaneous study of both the atmospheric entry ablation crust and the interior structure exposed by the cut.

Display and study specimen

At 209.51g, this end cut provides substantial mass for display while maintaining portability and ease of handling. The contrast between polished interior and crusted exterior creates visual interest, with shock veins adding linear structure to the composition. Collectors seeking specimens that illustrate both internal chondritic architecture and external fusion features will find this format particularly effective. The size permits close examination of chondrule distributions and shock textures without magnification, though loupe or microscope inspection reveals additional fine-scale details.

L6 chondrites remain scientifically significant despite their relatively common classification, as they preserve records of early solar system processes, parent body thermal history, and impact modification. This specimen documents all three aspects in a single hand sample. Browse additional examples in our Chondrites collection.

Meteoritical Bulletin entry: NWA 17298 | Classification: L6 | Find, Morocco, 2023