{"product_id":"nwa-17707-21-45g-full-slice-ll4-chondrite","title":"NWA 17707 Ordinary Chondrite Meteorite Slice, LL4, 21.45g, Well-Defined Chondrules","description":"\u003ch2\u003eLow-iron chondrite with preserved spherules\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 21.45g slice preserves the spherical chondrules that define chondrite meteorites. The LL classification denotes low total iron and low metallic iron content compared to other ordinary chondrite groups. Type 4 metamorphism altered the original minerals without destroying the rounded chondrule boundaries that remain visible throughout the specimen. The fine-grained matrix surrounding each chondrule records the conditions under which dust and molten droplets condensed in the solar nebula.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNWA 17707 was classified in 2024, adding a recently documented specimen to the LL group. The slice format displays the internal structure across a broad surface area, showing how individual chondrules vary in size and composition within the same parent body fragment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eChondrule structure and matrix composition\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChondrules appear as circular to elliptical domains ranging from submillimeter to several millimeters across. Each formed as a molten droplet that solidified rapidly in the protoplanetary disk before accretion into the parent asteroid. The LL4 petrologic grade indicates these spherules experienced heating between 600 and 700 degrees Celsius, enough to recrystallize olivine and pyroxene while maintaining recognizable chondrule boundaries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe groundmass between chondrules contains fine-grained silicate minerals, metal grains, and troilite. Metal content remains lower than in H or L chondrites, giving LL types their characteristic lower density and reduced magnetic response. Dark shock veins may intersect the slice where impact events fractured the parent body.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eScientific context\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrdinary chondrites constitute approximately 80% of all meteorite falls, but the LL group represents only about 10% of that total. These meteorites sample the outer regions of the main asteroid belt where lower iron abundance reflects distance from the inner solar system during planetary formation. The moderate metamorphism preserved in type 4 specimens provides evidence for thermal processing on asteroids too small to differentiate into core-mantle-crust structures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChondrules themselves remain one of the most studied features in meteoritics. Their formation mechanism, whether by shock waves, lightning, or other heating events in the solar nebula, continues to drive research into early solar system dynamics. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/learn-about-meteorites\"\u003eLearn About Meteorites\u003c\/a\u003e to understand how these objects preserve records from planetary formation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this meteorite authenticated?\u003c\/strong\u003e NWA 17707 received its classification through analysis submitted to the Meteoritical Society. The Meteoritical Bulletin entry confirms the LL4 ordinary chondrite classification. This specimen includes a certificate of authenticity documenting its classification and provenance. Meteoritical Bulletin entry: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lpi.usra.edu\/meteor\/metbull.php?sea=NWA%2017707\u0026amp;sfor=names\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eNWA 17707\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does the LL4 classification mean?\u003c\/strong\u003e LL indicates low total iron (19-22%) and low metallic iron (1-3%), distinguishing this group from higher-iron H and L chondrites. The number 4 represents petrologic type, indicating moderate thermal metamorphism that recrystallized minerals while preserving chondrule outlines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is included with this specimen?\u003c\/strong\u003e The 21.45g slice ships with a certificate of authenticity. No display stand is included.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy do chondrules matter scientifically?\u003c\/strong\u003e Chondrules froze from molten droplets within the first few million years of solar system history. Their mineral composition and cooling rates provide direct evidence for temperatures, timescales, and processes active in the protoplanetary disk before planets formed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCollector significance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLL chondrites occupy a smaller segment of collections compared to the more common H and L groups, making classified specimens from this series worthwhile additions. The 2024 classification places this material among recently studied falls and finds entering the scientific record. At 21.45g, the slice offers sufficient size to display the chondrule distribution without requiring premium pricing associated with larger slabs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe slice format suits both desktop display and study under magnification. Collectors building \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/chondrites\"\u003eChondrites\u003c\/a\u003e suites can use this specimen to demonstrate the structural differences between ordinary chondrite groups. The visible chondrules provide immediate visual interest compared to more metamorphosed type 5 and 6 specimens where these features blur into homogeneous texture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMeteoritical Bulletin entry: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lpi.usra.edu\/meteor\/metbull.php?sea=NWA%2017707\u0026amp;sfor=names\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eNWA 17707\u003c\/a\u003e | Classification: Ordinary Chondrite (LL4) | Find, Algeria, 2024\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Treasure Coast Meteorite Co.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44748011765807,"sku":"NWA-17707-21.45G-SLICE","price":65.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0726\/9724\/9839\/files\/FullSizeRender.heic?v=1765209299","url":"https:\/\/www.tcmeteorites.com\/products\/nwa-17707-21-45g-full-slice-ll4-chondrite","provider":"Treasure Coast Meteorite Co.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}