NWA 17296 Ordinary Chondrite Meteorite Individual, L5, 1472.00g, Oriented with Regmaglypts

NWA 17296 Ordinary Chondrite Meteorite Individual, L5, 1472.00g, Oriented with RegmaglyptsFlight orientation preserved in stone This 1472. 00g complete individual of NWA 17296 preserves the exact attitude the meteorite held during atmospheric entry. The leading surface shows concentrated ablation sculpting, while the trailing surface remains relatively protected. Pronounced regmaglypts cover the fusion crusted exterior, each thumbprint shaped depression marking turbulent airflow during hypersonic flight. A cut window exposes the L5

Flight orientation preserved in stone

This 1472.00g complete individual of NWA 17296 preserves the exact attitude the meteorite held during atmospheric entry. The leading surface shows concentrated ablation sculpting, while the trailing surface remains relatively protected. Pronounced regmaglypts cover the fusion-crusted exterior, each thumbprint-shaped depression marking turbulent airflow during hypersonic flight. A cut window exposes the L5 chondritic interior without compromising the aerodynamic shaping that makes oriented specimens scientifically valuable.

Fresh fusion crust with minimal weathering indicates recent recovery. Contraction cracks pattern the surface where the molten outer layer cooled rapidly in the lower atmosphere. At nearly 1.5 kilograms, this specimen balances substantial size with complete preservation of atmospheric modification features.

Regmaglypts and fusion crust features

The regmaglypts on this specimen show the characteristic depth and smoothness of ablation sculpting. These depressions formed as differential heating created localized vortices in the superheated plasma surrounding the meteorite. The fusion crust itself remains glossy black where protected, with the distinctive contraction crack network resulting from thermal stress as the exterior solidified while still cooling.

The cut window reveals the internal chondritic texture typical of L5 classification: well-defined chondrules set in a recrystallized matrix with minimal metal content. This controlled exposure allows examination of the interior structure while maintaining the complete oriented form that collectors seek.

Discovery and provenance

NWA 17296 was recovered in 2023 in Northwest Africa and purchased that June from a meteorite dealer. The total known weight is 1495 grams from a single stone, and the 1472.00g specimen offered here represents nearly the complete recovered mass.

Classification was carried out by Jose Garcia at ADARA Petrography and Curation of Astromaterials in the Canary Islands, Spain, who performed the petrographic analysis and geochemistry. The stone was confirmed as an L5 ordinary chondrite with shock stage S2 and weathering grade W1. Olivine composition measured Fa 22.9 and pyroxene measured Fs 21.3, consistent with the L group and type 5 thermal metamorphic grade. The type specimen of 20 grams is held at the Museo de la Naturaleza y Arqueologia in Tenerife, with an additional 7 grams and two thin sections retained at ADARA. The main mass is held by Brian McDonald. NWA 17296 was officially approved in Meteoritical Bulletin 114 on 1 June 2025.

L-group chondrites and parent body formation

L ordinary chondrites represent material from an asteroid belt parent body that experienced thermal metamorphism but not melting. The L designation indicates low total iron content compared to H and LL groups, while the type 5 classification confirms significant thermal alteration that recrystallized the matrix while preserving recognizable chondrules. These specimens formed approximately 4.56 billion years ago in the early solar nebula.

Ordinary chondrites constitute roughly 80% of observed meteorite falls, yet oriented individuals with preserved regmaglypts and fresh fusion crust remain uncommon in collections. Learn more about chondrite classification and structure at Learn About Meteorites.

Frequently asked questions

Is this meteorite authenticated? Yes. NWA 17296 is classified as an L5 ordinary chondrite in the Meteoritical Bulletin. View the entry: NWA 17296. This specimen includes a certificate of authenticity documenting its classification, weight, and provenance.

What makes a meteorite "oriented"? Oriented meteorites maintained stable flight orientation during atmospheric entry, resulting in distinct leading and trailing surfaces. The leading surface shows pronounced ablation and regmaglypt formation, while the trailing surface remains relatively smooth. This preservation of flight dynamics makes oriented specimens scientifically and aesthetically significant.

What are regmaglypts? Regmaglypts are the thumbprint-like depressions covering this specimen's surface. They form when turbulent plasma flow creates differential ablation during atmospheric entry. Each depression represents a zone where local vortices increased heating and material removal. Fresh regmaglypts like these indicate minimal terrestrial weathering since the fall.

What is included with this specimen? You receive the complete 1472.00g oriented individual with cut window and a certificate of authenticity. The specimen displays stably on its natural base.

Display potential and collector value

Oriented meteorites occupy a distinct category in collecting because they document atmospheric processes directly. This specimen's size allows clear observation of regmaglypt patterns and fusion crust features without magnification. The aerodynamic shaping tells the descent story visually, while the cut window provides scientific access to the interior without sectioning the complete form.

The combination of fresh fusion crust, well-developed regmaglypts, substantial mass, and stable orientation makes this specimen suitable for both display and study. NWA 17296 was classified in 2023, adding a documented recent find to your collection. Browse additional oriented specimens and complete individuals in our Chondrites collection.

Meteoritical Bulletin entry: NWA 17296 | Classification: L5 Ordinary Chondrite | Find, Northwest Africa, 2023