igneous

Chondrite Meteorite Fragment

Ordinary Chondrite (L or H type)

Hardness: 5-6 (Mohs); Color: Dark brown to black fusion crust, grayish-speckled interior; Luster: Sub-metallic to dull; Crystal structure: Amorphous/Granular with Chondrules; Cleavage: None; Specific gravity: 3.0-3.8.

Hardness: 5-6 (Mohs)
Color: Dark brown to black fusion crust, grayish-speckled interior
Luster: Sub-metallic to dull

Identified March 27, 2026More igneous →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through the accretion of dust and grit in the early solar nebula approximately 4.5 billion years ago. These are remnants of asteroids that never underwent planetary differentiation.

Uses & applications

Primarily for scientific research into the early solar system and for private mineral/meteorite collections. Larger pieces are sometimes used for high-end jewelry (inlays).

Geological facts

Chondrites contain 'chondrules'—small, round droplets of once-molten silicate minerals that are among the oldest materials in our solar system. Over 85% of meteorites that fall to Earth are chondrites.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by checking for a faint attraction to magnets (due to iron-nickel content), a high density for its size, and the presence of a thin, weathered 'fusion crust'. Found globally, but most easily spotted in deserts or ice fields.

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Blue Apatite

Fluorapatite (Ca5(PO4)3F)

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Dark Igneous Rock (Likely Basalt or Diabase)

Basalt (extrusive igneous rock) or Diabase (intrusive igneous rock - also known as Dolerite), largely composed of plagioclase feldspar, pyroxene (augite), and sometimes olivine and amphibole. Exact mineralogy would require thin section analysis.

Igneous

Magnetite

Iron(II,III) oxide (Fe3O4)

mineral

Sodalite

Sodalite - Na8(Al6Si6O24)Cl2

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Blue Apatite

Apatite (Group), Ca5(PO4)3(F,Cl,OH)

mineral

Magnetite

Magnetite (Fe3O4)

mineral