NWA 17472 Martian Meteorite, Basaltic Shergottite, 65.00g, Full Slice with Maskelynite Shock Glass

NWA 17472 is one of 358 approved Martian shergottites in the world. This 65.00g full slice presents the complete cross-section of an evolved basaltic shergottite, with maskelynite accounting for approximately 40% of the visible surface and clinopyroxene grains showing the core-to-rim zoning that records igneous crystallization on Mars. The shock stage is published as high.

The specimen

This 65.00g full slice preserves the complete internal cross-section of the parent stone, maximizing viewable surface area without reducing the specimen to smaller cuts. Bright, reflective maskelynite zones contrast sharply with the darker pyroxene matrix across the full face of the slice, giving the piece immediate visual identification as shocked Martian material without magnification. Clinopyroxene grains averaging 300 to 500 microns are distributed throughout, with complex core-to-rim zoning visible under magnification: Mg-rich pigeonite cores mantled by augite and rimmed with ferropigeonite, recording the full igneous crystallization sequence from the Martian crust.

The two parent stones, 1.8 kg and 1.2 kg, were found together with weathered fusion crust. At 65.00g, this full slice is a substantial display-scale piece of that inventory, sized for presentation rather than micro-mount or reference collecting.

Classification and scientific context

NWA 17472 is classified in the Meteoritical Bulletin (MB 114, approved March 27, 2025) as Martian (Shergottite), purchased in Northwest Africa in 2024. Classification was performed by C. Agee at the Institute of Meteoritics, University of New Mexico. The type specimen, 20.9g, is held at UNM. MetBull fieldname CB-5.

The evolved basaltic shergottite designation places NWA 17472 in a well-documented group of Martian meteorites with pyroxene compositions comparable to QUE 94201, NWA 12335, NWA 12522, NWA 12908, NWA 12960, NWA 15910, NWA 16127, Ben Kesbes 002, and Socorro. Shergottites preserve basaltic textures formed in the Martian crust, providing direct samples of the planet's igneous history. To understand how Martian meteorites are identified and classified, see our Learn section.

The maskelynite present in this slice is diagnostic of the hypervelocity impact that launched this rock off the surface of Mars. Plagioclase feldspar subjected to shock pressures exceeding 30 GPa is converted to amorphous glass while retaining its original composition and grain morphology. Maskelynite grains here are thin and elongate with maximum lengths of approximately 1 mm, representing roughly 40% modal abundance. Clinopyroxene accounts for approximately 50% modal abundance. Published shock stage is high. Weathering grade is moderate. Minor phases include merrillite, titanomagnetite, ilmenite, and troilite.

Published geochemistry by electron microprobe (UNM): clinopyroxene Fs40.8±18.9Wo22.3±10.5 (Fe/Mn=34±4, n=10); plagioclase An55.8±5.1Ab43.4±4.8 (n=8). Martian origin is confirmed through oxygen isotope ratios distinct from Earth and Moon, trapped atmospheric gases matching in-situ measurements from Viking and Curiosity, and mineral chemistry consistent with Martian crustal rocks as established by spacecraft data.

Acquisition

This specimen ships with a certificate of authenticity from Treasure Coast Meteorite Co. (IMCA #3323) documenting its Meteoritical Bulletin classification and provenance. Secure, fully insured shipping is included. This specimen qualifies for white-glove service, including coordinated delivery and insured transport. No display stand is included.

For institutional acquisition inquiries, contact brian@tcmeteorites.com or visit our White Glove Service page.

Frequently asked questions

Is NWA 17472 officially classified?
Yes. NWA 17472 is approved in the Meteoritical Bulletin, MB 114 (approved March 27, 2025), as Martian (Shergottite), purchased in Northwest Africa in 2024. Classification was conducted by C. Agee at the Institute of Meteoritics, University of New Mexico.

What is maskelynite and why does it matter?
Maskelynite is plagioclase feldspar transformed into glass by shock pressures exceeding 30 GPa, without melting. Because only hypervelocity impact can generate these pressures, maskelynite is a diagnostic signature of the ejection event that launched the rock off Mars. It appears here as bright, reflective zones accounting for approximately 40% of the slice surface, with elongate grains up to 1 mm in length.

What does "evolved basaltic shergottite" mean?
Evolved refers to the degree of igneous differentiation recorded in the pyroxene chemistry. NWA 17472 shows clinopyroxene compositions comparable to a well-documented group of evolved shergottites including QUE 94201 and NWA 12335, indicating crystallization from a magma that had undergone significant iron enrichment relative to more primitive shergottites. Basaltic refers to the fine-grained igneous texture, as distinct from olivine-phyric or lherzolitic shergottite types.

How is Martian origin confirmed?
Through oxygen isotope ratios distinct from Earth and Moon, trapped atmospheric gases matching in-situ measurements by Viking and Curiosity, and mineral chemistry consistent with Martian crustal rocks established by spacecraft data. Shergottites match compositional data collected from the Martian surface by multiple missions.

Why choose a full slice over an end cut or partial slice?
A full slice captures the complete internal cross-section, maximizing viewable surface area for shock features and igneous texture. It provides superior display quality relative to partial slices while preserving more of the specimen's internal record than an end cut.

What documentation is included?
A certificate of authenticity from Treasure Coast Meteorite Co. (IMCA #3323) documenting classification and provenance, referencing the Meteoritical Bulletin entry for NWA 17472, MB 114.

Meteoritical Bulletin entry: NWA 17472 | Classification: Martian (Shergottite) | Purchased, Northwest Africa, 2024 | MB 114, approved March 27, 2025 | Classifier: C. Agee, UNM | Type specimen: 20.9g, UNM

Offered by Treasure Coast Meteorite Co., IMCA #3323. Browse our Martian Meteorites collection for additional authenticated specimens.