NWA 17919 Chondrite Meteorite Individual, H6, 488.00g, Mirror Polished Window with Fusion Crust

Professional preparation reveals interior structure

This 488.00-gram individual from the NWA 17919 find combines scientific preparation with preserved natural exterior. A mirror polished window cuts through the interior, exposing the internal structure while the remaining surface retains the natural fusion crust formed during atmospheric entry. The exterior displays regmaglypts across the unpolished portions, offering a direct comparison between the meteorite's arrival state and its geological interior.

The polished window reveals the equilibrated texture characteristic of H6 chondrites. Chondrules remain visible despite the thermal metamorphism that defines petrologic type 6 classification. Metal grains distribute throughout the matrix, and the polished surface allows direct observation of grain boundaries and mineral assemblages that formed 4.56 billion years ago in the solar nebula.

Structure and features

The mirror polish exposes chondrules that have been partially recrystallized but remain structurally identifiable. Type 6 metamorphism occurred while the parent asteroid was still accreting, heating the material to temperatures between 700 and 950 degrees Celsius. This thermal processing homogenized the olivine and pyroxene compositions while preserving the fundamental chondritic architecture.

Metal distribution appears as bright reflective grains against the silicate matrix. The fusion crust on unpolished surfaces measures approximately one millimeter thick, showing the glassy texture created when surface material melted during the few seconds of atmospheric passage. Regmaglypts indent the crust where differential ablation carved thumbprint-like depressions into the softened surface.

Scientific context

H6 chondrites represent material from the ordinary chondrite parent asteroid that experienced significant thermal metamorphism early in solar system history. The H group designation indicates high total iron content (25-31% by mass) with most iron present as metal rather than bound in silicates. This specimen preserves a record of both nebular condensation processes visible in its chondrules and subsequent parent body thermal evolution.

Ordinary chondrites account for roughly 80% of meteorite falls, making them our most abundant samples of primitive solar system material. The equilibrated texture in type 6 specimens provides insight into thermal conditions within asteroid interiors during the first few million years after solar system formation. Learn About Meteorites and their role in understanding planetary formation processes.

Frequently asked questions

Is this meteorite authenticated? NWA 17919 is classified in the Meteoritical Bulletin as an H6 ordinary chondrite. You can verify this classification through the Meteoritical Bulletin database. This specimen includes a certificate of authenticity with purchase.

What does the H6 classification indicate? The H indicates high total iron content in the ordinary chondrite classification system. The number 6 represents petrologic type, meaning this material experienced significant thermal metamorphism that equilibrated mineral compositions while the parent asteroid was forming. Type 6 is the highest metamorphic grade that still preserves recognizable chondrules.

What is included with this specimen? You receive the 488.00-gram NWA 17919 individual with mirror polished window and certificate of authenticity. No display stand is included unless separately noted.

What are regmaglypts? Regmaglypts are the thumbprint-like depressions visible on the fusion crust. They form during atmospheric entry when differential ablation carves into the melting surface. Turbulent airflow creates vortices that preferentially remove material from specific areas, leaving the characteristic dimpled texture.

Display specimen with scientific utility

The 488.00-gram mass provides substantial hand presence. The mirror polished window transforms this individual into a teaching specimen that demonstrates meteorite internal structure while the preserved fusion crust and regmaglypts illustrate atmospheric entry processes. This dual presentation makes the specimen suitable for both display and comparative study.

H6 chondrites with professional preparation occupy a specific niche for collectors seeking equilibrated material that still retains textural evidence of its chondritic origin. The size allows for detailed examination without magnification, and the mass-to-surface-area ratio delivers visual impact in collection displays. Collectors building comprehensive ordinary chondrite suites will find this specimen represents the high-metamorphic-grade end of the H group sequence. Browse additional specimens in our Chondrites collection.

Meteoritical Bulletin entry: NWA 17919 | Classification: H6 Ordinary Chondrite | Find, Algeria, 2024