meteorite
Chelyabinsk Meteorite
Ordinary chondrite (LL5)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 5-6; Color: Black fusion crust with light gray interior; Luster: Dull to slightly velvety fusion crust; Structure: Chondritic (contains small silicate droplets); Specific gravity: ~3.3
- Hardness
- 5-6
- Color
- Black fusion crust with light gray interior
- Luster
- Dull to slightly velvety fusion crust
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Physical properties
Hardness: 5-6; Color: Black fusion crust with light gray interior; Luster: Dull to slightly velvety fusion crust; Structure: Chondritic (contains small silicate droplets); Specific gravity: ~3.3
Formation & geological history
Formed roughly 4.5 billion years ago in the early Solar System. This specimen fell to Earth on February 15, 2013, after a superbolide entered the atmosphere over Russia.
Uses & applications
Scientific research, planetary geology study, and high-value private collection.
Geological facts
The Chelyabinsk event was the largest known natural object to enter Earth's atmosphere since the 1908 Tunguska event. It shattered at high altitude, creating thousands of small fragments covered in fresh fusion crust.
Field identification & locations
Identify by the thin, dark, glassy fusion crust and rounded 'regmaglypts' (thumbprint-like indentations). Use a magnet; most chondrites have high enough iron content to be attracted to a strong magnet.
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