NWA 10170 – Oriented Martian Meteorite with Flow Lines (45.15 g)

This 45.15 g individual of NWA 10170 stands out as the finest oriented specimen recovered from this Martian meteorite.

Its morphology is dominated by a clearly defined convex leading face, shaped during atmospheric entry and marked by distinct flow lines radiating across the surface, recording the dynamics of ablation as the meteorite passed through Earth’s atmosphere. These aerodynamic features provide a rare and highly legible example of orientation in a Martian meteorite—an uncommon and sought-after characteristic.

Beyond its morphology, NWA 10170 carries an extraordinary scientific and historical significance.

Another specimen from the same meteorite—also formerly part of the same original find—was partially cut and entrusted to French ESA astronaut Thomas Pesquet, who carried it aboard the International Space Station (ISS). After returning to Earth, a slice from that specimen was prepared and subsequently integrated into the SuperCam instrument onboard NASA’s Perseverance rover, currently operating on Mars.

This unique trajectory makes NWA 10170 a meteorite of exceptional symbolic value:
a fragment of Mars that traveled to space, returned to Earth, and has now been sent back to Mars as part of a scientific mission.

The present 45.15 g specimen, preserved as a complete individual with strong orientation features, represents the most aesthetically and morphologically compelling piece recovered from this meteorite. It combines scientific relevance, historical context, and visual clarity at a level rarely encountered.

NWA 10170 is a Martian meteorite (shergottite) ejected from the surface of Mars by an impact event before eventually falling to Earth. Martian meteorites are among the rarest extraterrestrial materials available, representing only a very small fraction of known meteorite finds.

The integration of a paired specimen into the SuperCam calibration target aboard Perseverance makes NWA 10170 one of the very few meteorites directly associated with an active planetary exploration mission.

Oriented Martian individuals with clearly visible flow features remain exceptionally scarce, further enhancing the desirability of this specimen.