meteorite

Chondrite Meteorite

Ordinary Chondrite (Undifferentiated Meteorite)

Hardness: 5-6 (Mohs); Color: Dark brown to black fusion crust, grayish interior; Luster: Dull to metallic (if iron grains present); Crystal structure: Contains spherical chondrules; Specific Gravity: 3.0-3.8.

Hardness: 5-6 (Mohs)
Color: Dark brown to black fusion crust, grayish interior
Luster: Dull to metallic (if iron grains present)

Identified July 20, 2026More meteorite →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed from the solar nebula over 4.5 billion years ago. These are fragments of asteroids that never underwent melting or differentiation. They represent the oldest solid material in our solar system.

Uses & applications

Scientific research, educational specimens, and highly sought-after by private collectors of space artifacts.

Geological facts

Chondrites represent about 86% of all meteorites that fall to Earth. They are called chondrites because they contain chondrules, which are small mineral beads that formed in space before the planets existed.

Field identification & locations

Identify by checking for a magnetic response (most contain nickel-iron), high density for their size, and a thin, dark fusion crust. Often found in arid deserts or Antarctica where they are easily spotted against the ground.

Other meteorite specimens

See all

Iron Meteorite

Siderite (Fe, Ni)

igneous

Shatter Cone

Impactite (Shatter Cone texture)

metamorphic

Iron Meteorite

Siderite (comprised primarily of Kamacite and Taenite alloys)

igneous

Pallasite Meteorite

Pallasite (Stony-iron meteorite; Fe-Ni alloy with (Mg,Fe)2SiO4 olivine)

Mineral/Extraterrestrial Rock

Slag (Anthropogenic Glass/Iron byproduct)

Ferro-silicate Slag

Anthropogenic (Man-made)

Chondrite Meteorite

Stony Meteorite (Chondrite)

meteorite