SKU: 17685858526

NWA XXX Ordinary Chondrite Meteorite Individual, unclassified, 635.58g, Flight Oriented with Regmaglypts

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Description

NWA XXX Ordinary Chondrite Meteorite Individual, unclassified, 635.58g, Flight Oriented with RegmaglyptsFlight oriented chondrite with pristine atmospheric entry features This 635. 58g ordinary chondrite individual preserves the classic geometry of atmospheric flight orientation. The forward facing surface shows a smooth, continuous fusion crust interrupted by thermal contraction cracks that formed as the exterior cooled rapidly during deceleration. Regmaglypts, thumbprint like depressions sculpted by ablation, cover the oriented surface, documenting

Flight-oriented chondrite with pristine atmospheric entry features

This 635.58g ordinary chondrite individual preserves the classic geometry of atmospheric flight orientation. The forward-facing surface shows a smooth, continuous fusion crust interrupted by thermal contraction cracks that formed as the exterior cooled rapidly during deceleration. Regmaglypts, thumbprint-like depressions sculpted by ablation, cover the oriented surface, documenting differential melting as the meteorite maintained stable orientation through the atmosphere. The preservation extends to 99% of the specimen's surface, with minimal post-fall weathering obscuring the original entry features.

The specimen's magnetic response suggests possible L-group classification, though laboratory analysis has not been completed. The intact crust and oriented geometry make this a textbook example of controlled atmospheric entry, where aerodynamic forces kept one face consistently forward during descent.

Fusion crust and thermal features

The black glassy fusion crust formed at temperatures exceeding 1,600°C as atmospheric friction vaporized the meteorite's leading edge. Contraction cracks radiate across the crust where rapid cooling created tensile stress in the newly formed glass. These fractures often expose the lighter interior material, creating a network of contrast against the dark exterior. Secondary flow features, areas where molten material streamed toward the trailing edge, are visible along the specimen's margins.

Regmaglypts range from shallow impressions to deep pits several millimeters across. These features result from localized vortices in the boundary layer flow, where turbulent air removed material at different rates across the surface. The depth and distribution of regmaglypts indicate the intensity and duration of atmospheric heating this specimen experienced before deceleration reduced ablation rates.

Scientific context

Ordinary chondrites formed 4.567 billion years ago in the protoplanetary disk, accreting from dust and millimeter-sized chondrules before their parent asteroids underwent thermal metamorphism. The H, L, and LL groups are distinguished by their iron content and oxidation state, reflecting formation at different heliocentric distances where temperature and oxygen fugacity varied. This specimen's classification remains pending laboratory analysis, but magnetic response provides preliminary constraint on likely group membership.

Oriented meteorites represent a small fraction of recovered falls and finds. Most meteorites tumble chaotically during atmospheric entry, producing uniform fusion crust without directional features. Stable orientation requires specific mass distribution and entry angle, making oriented specimens valuable for studying ablation physics and atmospheric flight dynamics. For more on meteorite classification and formation, see Learn About Meteorites.

Frequently asked questions

Is this meteorite authenticated? This specimen is an authenticated ordinary chondrite, confirmed through visual inspection, magnetic response testing, and comparison with classified reference material. While full laboratory classification (determining H, L, or LL group and petrologic type) has not been completed, the specimen exhibits all diagnostic features of an ordinary chondrite meteorite: chondritic interior texture, fusion crust, regmaglypts, and appropriate magnetic signature. A certificate of authenticity documenting these characteristics is included. For classified ordinary chondrites, see the Meteoritical Bulletin database at lpi.usra.edu/meteor/metbull.php.

What does flight-oriented mean? Flight orientation occurs when a meteorite maintains the same face forward throughout atmospheric entry, rather than tumbling randomly. This stable flight produces asymmetric features: pronounced regmaglypts and smooth crust on the leading face, with flow lines extending toward the trailing edge. Oriented specimens are less common than randomly oriented stones.

What is included with this specimen? This 635.58g individual, with a certificate of authenticity documenting its characteristics and find information. No display stand is included.

Why is this specimen unclassified? Classification requires laboratory analysis including thin section petrography, mineral chemistry determination, and sometimes oxygen isotope measurement. These procedures cost several hundred dollars and require destructive sampling. Many recovered meteorites, particularly ordinary chondrites from Northwest Africa, remain unclassified due to the cost-benefit ratio of full analysis. Unclassified status does not affect authenticity, this is a confirmed meteorite.

What are contraction cracks? Contraction cracks form when fusion crust cools rapidly from ablation temperatures to ambient temperature within seconds of meteorite deceleration. The glassy crust shrinks faster than the interior, creating tensile stress that fractures the surface. These cracks are diagnostic features of genuine fusion crust and cannot be replicated artificially.

Display and collection value

At 635.58g, this specimen offers substantial visual presence while remaining affordable compared to classified ordinary chondrites with published Meteoritical Bulletin entries. The oriented geometry and exceptional crust preservation make this suitable for educational display, demonstrating atmospheric entry phenomena to students and public audiences. Collectors focused on fusion crust quality or oriented specimens will find the regmaglypt development and thermal cracking particularly well expressed on this piece.

The unclassified status provides an opportunity to acquire a large, visually striking ordinary chondrite at a lower price point than similarly sized classified stones. For collectors building Chondrites collections, this specimen documents atmospheric entry processes with clarity comparable to more expensive oriented falls. The fresh condition indicates recent recovery, with minimal terrestrial weathering degrading the original surface features.

Meteoritical Bulletin entry: This specimen has not been submitted for formal classification. | Find, Morocco, 2025

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SKU: 17685858526

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Amazon Customer swengelp
Belleville, US
★★★★★ 4
Nice divider
Color: Black, Size: 6 Panel
Nice divider. Set up is a bear. I am a bit concerned with stability. Overall I like it.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on March 12, 2026
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Nay from the Bay
Pawtucket, US
★★★★★ 5
Great privacy room divider
Color: Black, Size: 6 Panel, Color: Black, Size: 6 Panel
I got this room divider for our game room that shares the garage/laundry room, to separate the spaces. I was happy that it was relatively easy to put together in less than an hour with nothing more than a screwdriver (provided) although I used a small handheld drill. The instructions were pretty straightforward and easy to understand as everything was labeled. I have 2 small grandkids at home running around while I put this together so my timeline to completion might be longer than others. It recommends 2 people to assemble, but I was able to complete alone in about 40 minutes total and as I said I used a small handheld drill, (although it does come with a small Philips screwdriver) which is the only tool you need for assembly. The first two panels took me about 20 minutes but the other 4 were simple repeats after the initial 2. After all 6 panels were assembled the plastic clips to piece them together were literally a "SNAP" to put on. The poles are made of metal and the panels are made of a very sturdy almost canvas like fabric. When held up to the light not a lot shined through so very good for privacy. You can snap them together in sections and have 2 separate panels of 3 or what ever configuration you want. They are easy to move and bend around furniture or other obstacles, also fold flat together if you need to put them aside for storage. This worked out just as we had planned, very easy to move around when needed and I am very happy with this product. I loved how simple it was to put together, easy instructions, and the durability and functionality of it.
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Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2024
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robert ferrell
Dallas, US
★★★★★ 5
Good
Color: Black, Size: 6 Panel
Love it , just what so needed , easy to put together (some what ) …
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Reviewed in the United States on May 16, 2026
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Crimm
Port Orchard, US
★★★★★ 3
Decent for the price. Instructions suck but most people should be able to figure it out. More below.
Color: Black, Size: 6 Panel, Color: Black, Size: 6 Panel
SUMMARY: 3 stars from me because it's firmly average. It's fine for the price. Assembly and materials are alright but I can see some caveats depending on your circumstances. Assembly instructions do a subpar job of pointing out some details. ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS: Maybe it's because I'm autistic and/or building model kits and assembling stuff is my jam, but I honestly thought people were exaggerating when they were complaining about the instructions and I'd be able to flex my ~superior assembly skills.~ I was wrong! These instructions genuinely suck, and whoever is responsible for making them should be ashamed. The instructions do a poor job of calling out some details regarding orientation of parts, and some of the images do not actually match the physical parts. For example, it does not really outline the assembly of the end panels clearly, and I can see someone accidentally using the wrong poles. I've drawn over a photo to show what you should do to try and make it clearer. Additionally, the manual shows a flathead screw for bolting the feet into position, but the actual screw is not a flathead. It also does not point out the counterbore, so if you aren't paying attention you may put the foot pads onto the wrong side of the foot. It's also missing the fact that you need to use another one of the plastic pieces when you finish assembling a panel. ACTUAL ASSEMBLY & MATERIALS: To their credit, all of my bags were clearly labeled. The assembly process wasn't difficult. It's mostly just tedious and requires a fair amount of space. I was able to assemble it by myself without any real difficulty. However, the way it's assembled means two things. One, the fabric parts aren't removable without disassembly. So if you want to use this in an environment where they would require cleaning, I would seriously recommend looking for another option. Or, you could buy this just to use the frame pieces and then somehow buy or make your own fabric pieces designed to be removable with velcro or something. Two, because of the materials I really don't have a lot of faith in this thing surviving disassembly and reassembly. Like a lot of sorta-cheap-but-convenient furniture, it uses those spring-button connections and plastic inserts with self-tapping screws. Those things are not really meant to be disassembled and rethreaded. It also relies a lot on the tension of the poles and the fabric to keep everything rigid and squared, which I think puts a lot of pressure on the aforementioned buttons, plastic inserts, and the hollow metal rods. So I feel like that will also cause issues with disassembly and reassembly. Basically once this thing is assembled, it's not really meant to be disassembled. The best you can do is spot-clean the fabric if you need to. Speaking of the fabric, I didn't see any labels on them or anything in the manual that says what they are, but they feel like some kind of polyester. They generate static electricity pretty easily, and pet hair and debris sticks easily. So that's another downside of them not being easily removable. For the most part it does seem pretty stable. The poles seem to be pretty uniform in length so they're all making contact with my floor. Obviously this isn't structural so it shouldn't be supporting anything, but the two main feet seem to be doing fine with keeping this thing upright. CLOSING THOUGHTS: Really, it's fine for what it is, but it could be better in a lot of little ways and the substandard quality of the instructions just seems unprofessional to me, which is why I'm being so harsh with my rating. Depending on your needs and environment you may want to consider a different option. Preferably one that is made to be disassembled with better materials, and/or one with fabric pieces made to be removed easily.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 28, 2023
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Barb
West Palm Beach, US
★★★★★ 1
Not as it seems
Color: Black, Size: 6 Panel
these are awful... Each individual panel is fine, but when you put it together it can barely stand up, and the clips that hold it together keep popping off. Steer clear of this item.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 7, 2026

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