{"product_id":"nwa-17707-27-61g-full-slice-ll4-chondrite","title":"NWA 17707 Ordinary Chondrite Meteorite Slice, LL4, 27.61g, Preserved Chondrules","description":"\u003ch2\u003eFull slice exposing ancient solar nebula material\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis complete slice cuts through NWA 17707, exposing the internal structure of a primitive ordinary chondrite. Rounded chondrules stand out against the darker matrix material, representing droplets of molten rock that solidified in the solar nebula before planets formed. The slice format reveals the distribution and size variation of these spherical structures throughout the specimen, providing a window into the earliest stages of planetary formation. At 27.61g, this full slice captures a representative cross-section of the meteorite's internal composition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe natural contrast between lighter chondrules and darker matrix creates visual depth across the polished surface. Individual chondrules range from sub-millimeter to several millimeters in diameter, each preserving a record of rapid cooling in the protoplanetary disk. The slice maintains structural integrity while revealing the meteorite's internal architecture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eStructure and features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe LL4 classification reflects two defining characteristics visible in this specimen. The LL designation indicates low total iron content (19-22% by mass) and low metallic iron, distinguishing this meteorite from the more iron-rich H and L ordinary chondrite groups. The type 4 petrologic grade indicates moderate thermal metamorphism, enough heat to alter some mineral structures while preserving the original chondrule boundaries. Chondrules remain distinct and easily visible rather than being integrated into a more homogeneous matrix that would characterize higher metamorphic grades.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe polished surface reveals olivine and pyroxene crystals within the chondrules, surrounded by fine-grained matrix material. Metal flakes appear as small bright inclusions distributed throughout the slice. The chondrule boundaries show clear delineation, a diagnostic feature of type 4 metamorphism that distinguishes this specimen from more heavily altered types 5 and 6.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eScientific context\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNWA 17707 belongs to the ordinary chondrite group, the most abundant meteorite type in collections but each fall providing distinct scientific value. Ordinary chondrites formed in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter approximately 4.567 billion years ago, predating Earth's formation. The LL group specifically derives from parent bodies with depleted iron content compared to other ordinary chondrites, suggesting formation in a different region of the protoplanetary disk where oxygen fugacity was higher.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe type 4 metamorphic grade indicates the parent asteroid experienced internal heating sufficient to reach temperatures between 600-700°C, likely from decay of short-lived radioactive isotopes like aluminum-26. This heating occurred within the first few million years after solar system formation. Despite this thermal processing, the original chondrule structures survived, making LL4 specimens valuable for studying both nebular condensation processes and early asteroid thermal evolution. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/learn-about-meteorites\"\u003eLearn About Meteorites\u003c\/a\u003e provides additional context on chondrite classification and 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 is classified in the Meteoritical Bulletin as an LL4 ordinary chondrite. You can verify this classification through the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lpi.usra.edu\/meteor\/metbull.php?sea=NWA%2017707\u0026amp;sfor=names\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eMeteoritical Bulletin database\u003c\/a\u003e. This specimen includes a certificate of authenticity documenting the classification, weight, and provenance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does LL4 classification mean?\u003c\/strong\u003e The first L indicates low total iron content (19-22% by weight). The second L indicates low metallic iron content specifically. The number 4 represents the petrologic type, showing the meteorite experienced moderate thermal metamorphism, enough heat to alter mineral chemistry while preserving visible chondrule boundaries. This distinguishes it from type 3 (unmetamorphosed) and types 5-6 (higher metamorphism with integrated chondrules).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is included with this specimen?\u003c\/strong\u003e You receive the 27.61g full slice and a certificate of authenticity. The specimen does not include a display stand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy are chondrules scientifically significant?\u003c\/strong\u003e Chondrules are the oldest solid materials in the solar system, forming within the first few million years after the Sun ignited. They condensed directly from the solar nebula as molten droplets, then cooled rapidly before being incorporated into asteroids. Each chondrule preserves information about temperature, oxygen fugacity, and chemical conditions in the protoplanetary disk.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCollector significance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLL chondrites represent only 10-11% of ordinary chondrite falls, making them less common than H and L groups in collections. The type 4 metamorphic grade occupies a middle position in the petrologic sequence, showing more textural interest than highly metamorphosed types 5-6 while displaying more mineral equilibration than primitive type 3 specimens. This balance makes LL4 specimens particularly educational for understanding metamorphic progression in asteroid interiors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2024 recovery date places NWA 17707 among recent Saharan finds, with classification completed and published within the past year. Full slices provide optimal display format for chondrites, revealing internal structure that remains hidden in exterior-only specimens. The weight falls in a range suitable for detailed examination while remaining accessible to collectors building comprehensive \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/ordinary-chondrites\"\u003eOrdinary Chondrite\u003c\/a\u003e reference sets across the H, L, and LL groups.\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":44748014518319,"sku":"NWA-17707-27.61G-SLICE","price":80.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0726\/9724\/9839\/files\/FullSizeRender_483e0e2e-49b7-40a2-8a64-f4120e41ae50.heic?v=1765210022","url":"https:\/\/www.tcmeteorites.com\/products\/nwa-17707-27-61g-full-slice-ll4-chondrite","provider":"Treasure Coast Meteorite Co.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}