Mineral

Chondrite Meteorite

Ordinary Chondrite (Fe-Ni alloy, Olivine, Pyroxene)

Hardness: 5-6 (Mohs scale), Color: Dark brown/black fusion crust with a grayish-tan interior, Luster: Metallic to earthy, Structure: Granular with chondrules (small spherical droplets), Specific Gravity: 3.0-3.8 (dense for its size).

Identified March 11, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed from dust and granules in the early solar system roughly 4.5 billion years ago. They are non-metallic fragments from asteroids that have crashed through Earth's atmosphere.

Uses & applications

Primary use is for scientific research into the early solar system; also highly valued by collectors and occasionally used in custom jewelry or watchmaking.

Geological facts

Chondrites are the most common type of meteorite but represent some of the oldest solid material in the solar system. They often contain 'chondrules' which are silicate droplets that flash-melted in space before the Earth was even formed.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by checking for magnetism (most contain iron), extreme density, and a fusion crust (a thin, dark layer caused by atmospheric heating). Common locations include deserts (Sahara) and Antarctica where they are easiest to spot against the terrain.

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