NWA 16018 Howardite Meteorite – Melt Breccia, 5.6 g

This specimen is a 5.6 g cut block of the NWA 16018 howardite meteorite, classified as a howardite melt breccia. It was recovered in Northwest Africa (Algeria) and represents one of a very limited number of officially approved meteorites classified as Howardite Melt Breccia. The specimen exhibits a polymictic fused breccia lithology, with unsorted rock fragments and basaltic clasts embedded in a finely recrystallized matrix, characteristic of this rare HED achondrite type. The piece is carefully cut into a cuboid-shaped block to clearly expose its internal structure and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.

Features
• Name: NWA 16018
• Type: Melt breccia (Howardite)
• Classification: Achondrite, HED
• Dimensions: approx. 27 × 10 × 9 mm
• Weight: 5.6 g
• Origin: HED parent body (probable link to asteroid 4 Vesta)
• Found: Northwest Africa (Algeria)
• Form: Cut block, cuboid-shaped specimen
• Discovery Date: 2023
• Certification: Included, certificate of authenticity provided

Scientific and Physical Characteristics
NWA 16018 is a polymictic fused breccia composed of unsorted rock material up to 8 mm in size, together with basaltic clasts and a variety of mineral fragments up to 2 mm. These components are embedded in a finely recrystallized fused rock matrix. The dominant mineral phases include enstatite, low-Ca diogenitic pyroxene (approximately 20%), low-Ca ferrous pyroxene, and calcic plagioclase. Minor phases include silica, chromite, ilmenite, troilite, and FeNi metal. Mineral grains within the fused matrix often display resorption structures, reflecting high-temperature melting and recrystallization processes. Howardite melt breccias are rare and scientifically significant, providing direct insight into impact processes and crustal evolution on the HED parent body. This specimen combines strong scientific relevance with an attractive, well-prepared presentation, making it a valuable addition to an advanced meteorite collection.