SKU: 43293812601

NWA 17708 Howardite Meteorite Slice, 26.23g, Rippled Fusion Crust on 50% Edge

Sale price$117.00 Regular price$130.00
Save 10%

Pay in installments of $32.50 with ShopPay, AfterPay and Klarna

Shipping Estimate
USA
  • USA
  • CAN

Ships within 48 hours · Estimated delivery Aug 17 - Aug 22

Promo Codes Available:

For Your Every Summer RSVP, with Code: SUMMER15

Description

NWA 17708 Howardite Meteorite Slice, 26.23g, Rippled Fusion Crust on 50% EdgeRippled fusion crust and impact brecciation from Vesta This 26. 23g howardite slice preserves rippled fusion crust along approximately 50% of its edge surface, documenting atmospheric entry heating from the 2024 Mali recovery. One face shows sanded texture revealing the internal brecciated structure characteristic of howardite composition. The slice displays clasts of contrasting lithologies embedded in a fine grained matrix, physical evidence of

Rippled fusion crust and impact brecciation from Vesta

This 26.23g howardite slice preserves rippled fusion crust along approximately 50% of its edge surface, documenting atmospheric entry heating from the 2024 Mali recovery. One face shows sanded texture revealing the internal brecciated structure characteristic of howardite composition. The slice displays clasts of contrasting lithologies embedded in a fine-grained matrix, physical evidence of impact mixing between eucritic basaltic material and diogenitic orthopyroxene on Vesta's surface.

The specimen measures large enough to observe the relationship between dark eucritic fragments and lighter diogenitic components under magnification. Surface contrast between the rippled fusion crust and the sanded interior face provides clear visualization of both exterior heating effects and interior mechanical mixing processes.

Brecciated structure and weak magnetic signature

The slice exhibits polymict brecciation with angular clasts ranging from submillimeter to several millimeters embedded in a comminuted matrix. This texture results from repeated impact gardening of Vesta's regolith, mechanically mixing debris from both the upper basaltic crust and deeper orthopyroxenite layers. The howardite composition shows very weak to non-existent magnetic response, consistent with HED achondrites formed in an oxidized environment lacking metallic iron.

The sanded face reveals grain boundaries and clast margins where eucritic and diogenitic components meet. Fusion crust rippling along the edge indicates stable orientation during atmospheric passage, with aerodynamic heating creating wavelike surface texture before the meteoroid fragmented.

Scientific context

Howardites form the brecciated component of the HED meteorite suite, which NASA's Dawn mission confirmed originated from asteroid 4 Vesta through spectroscopic matching in 2011-2012. These meteorites sample both the basaltic crust and ultramafic mantle of a differentiated protoplanet that survived intact from the solar system's first 10 million years. Impact events on Vesta excavated deep craters, mixing surface basalts with mantle orthopyroxenites and ejecting the combined debris into Earth-crossing orbits.

NWA 17708 represents material from Vesta's regolith layer, where billions of years of impacts mechanically processed crustal and mantle fragments into the polymict breccia now classified as howardite. The specimen provides direct access to protoplanetary differentiation processes that operated when planets were still forming. Learn About Meteorites for broader context on achondrite formation and classification systems.

Frequently asked questions

Is this meteorite authenticated? NWA 17708 received official howardite classification through the Meteoritical Society's review process. The Meteoritical Bulletin entry: NWA 17708 documents the classification details. This specimen includes a certificate of authenticity from Treasure Coast Meteorite Co.

What does polymict brecciation mean? Polymict indicates the breccia contains fragments from multiple distinct rock types, in this case, both eucritic basalt and diogenitic orthopyroxenite. These components mixed mechanically through impact processes on Vesta's surface rather than melting together, preserving individual clast identities within the matrix.

What is included with this specimen? The listing includes the 26.23g howardite slice, certificate of authenticity from Treasure Coast Meteorite Co., custom specimen card with classification details, and protective gembox display case.

Why does the fusion crust have ripples? Rippled or wavelike fusion crust texture forms when a meteoroid maintains stable orientation during atmospheric entry. Aerodynamic heating creates surface flow patterns in the melted exterior before the meteoroid breaks apart, freezing the ripple pattern as the crust rapidly cools.

Collector significance

Howardites represent less than 8% of all classified meteorite falls, making them substantially less common than ordinary chondrites or iron meteorites. This specimen combines display-quality size at 26.23g with preserved fusion crust, providing both scientific interest and visual appeal. The sanded face allows direct observation of the brecciated interior structure, while the natural fusion-crusted edge documents atmospheric entry processes.

NWA 17708 entered the collection market following 2024 recovery in Mali, offering recent classification data and fresh material for collectors building HED suites. The specimen serves both as a Vesta sample and as documentation of regolith processes on differentiated asteroids. Browse additional confirmed Vesta material in our Howardites collection and explore related specimens in the HED Meteorites category.

Meteoritical Bulletin entry: NWA 17708 | Classification: Howardite | Find, Mali, 2024

Shipping Notes
  • Free Standard Shipping on $100+ Orders to the USA.
  • Except Preorder products are shipped in 48 hours.
  • Delivery to the USA:
  1. Standard Shipping : 3-10 business days
  • If time is of the essence, please consider selecting expedited delivery for faster service.
Exchange/Return Notes
  • We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
  • Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
  • To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
  • Please click here for more details>>> Return & Exchange Policy
SKU: 43293812601

Discover Niche Categories That Outsell

Top-Converting Item to Boost Your Average Order

4.8 ★★★★★
Based on 13 reviews
Sort
Highest Rating
Newest First
Oldest First
Product Reviews
T
Verified Purchase
Taylor Ashley
Belleville, US
★★★★★ 4
Okay serum, not as good as the cream though
I am obsessed with the cream version of this so I thought I’d give this a try. The dropper top allows for easy application. The formula is light and non greasy and absorbs easily. No harsh fragrances. I would use it when I had eczema flares on my face and feel like it didn’t work near as well in helping with skin irritation as the cream does. As of now I don’t use it as part of my regular skin care. Do I think it’s a bad product? No, but it didn’t really work wonders for me. Not sure I would purchase again.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 21, 2026
E
Verified Purchase
Elizabeth from Houston
Lake Worth, US
★★★★★ 5
Helps with redness and softens skin
I have sensitive, mild rosacea skin. Had a facial recently and the aesthetician suggested I get a serum to help with moisturizer as I am almost 40. I’ve tried a lot of serums and either they are sticky and not really hydrating or break my skin out in a rash. This serum is amazing. Helps calm the redness in my cheeks and my skin is moisturized and soft all day. It feels a little sticky at first but it goes away. I apply in this order OSEA sea mineral mist toner to prep the skin, this serum and top off with Chanel La Solution 10 for sensitive skin.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on December 27, 2025
C
Verified Purchase
carolyn
Los Angeles, US
★★★★★ 5
Sensitive skin
Such a good product. I use after micro needling when skin is sensitive. Also a great product to use as a barrier serum when starting tretinoin cream.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on April 24, 2026
L
Verified Purchase
Lindsay
Omaha, US
★★★★★ 5
Saved my skin during an eczema flare up
This saved my skin! I had an eczema flare on my face, and my usual products weren’t working. A friend recommended the Avene brand and within 3 days of using this rescue barrier serum, my flare was almost completely gone! This saved my face!
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on April 11, 2026
B
Verified Purchase
B Helton
Lake Worth, US
★★★★★ 1
PLEASE REVIEW — FORMULA CHANGED!!!
I wish I would’ve posted a review PRIOR to the formula changing but just know that I LOVED this serum. I’ve struggled with hormonal acne (PCOS) and eczema for as long as I can remember. Finally, last summer my dermatologist put me on (3) different RX including Spironolactone and Accutane. I was so tired so I stopped everything except for CeraVe cleanser, retinol (Tretinoin) and CeraVe healing ointment. My made up skin routine was working until I used too much Tretinoin and burned my face. I had read great reviews about this product so I thought, I might as well try it — and IT WORKED! I’ve been using this product for almost a year and I loved it. However, 3 weeks ago when I ordered it, I noticed the bottle had a green tint. I could tell after one use that the feel of the serum was different, more watery, not as thick as it used to be. The smell was also different. Still, I kept using it for nearly 2 weeks and I experienced 2 breakouts! Sure enough, I stopped the product and within a few days, my skin was back to normal. I am very upset because as someone who has extremely sensitive skin, this worked but unfortunately, the new formula isn’t for me.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 14, 2026

recommand products