igneous
Chondrite Meteorite
Stony Meteorite (Chondrite)
Hardness: 5-6 (Mohs); Color: Dark brown to black (fusion crust) with gray interior; Luster: Dull to sub-metallic; Crystal structure: Granular/chondrule-bearing; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 3.0-3.8 (dense due to iron content).
- Hardness
- 5-6 (Mohs)
- Color
- Dark brown to black (fusion crust) with gray interior
- Luster
- Dull to sub-metallic
Identified More igneous →
Explore Chondrite Meteorite in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 5-6 (Mohs); Color: Dark brown to black (fusion crust) with gray interior; Luster: Dull to sub-metallic; Crystal structure: Granular/chondrule-bearing; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 3.0-3.8 (dense due to iron content).
Formation & geological history
Formed from the solar nebula approximately 4.5 billion years ago. These are primitive rocks that never underwent melting or differentiation in a parent body planetary sized object.
Uses & applications
Scientific research into the origin of the solar system, planetology, and highly sought after by private collectors and museums.
Geological facts
Chondrites represent about 86% of the meteorites that fall to Earth. They contain 'chondrules'—small round grains that were once molten droplets in space before being incorporated into the asteroid.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by checking for a 'fusion crust' (thin burnt layer), attraction to a magnet, and a heavy weight relative to size. Found globally, but most easily spotted in deserts or Antarctic ice fields.
