meteorite

Chondrite Meteorite

Ordinary Chondrite (L, LL, or H type)

Hardness: 5-6 Mohs. Color: Dark brown to black fusion crust with lighter interior. Luster: Dull to sub-metallic. Structure: Contains small, spherical grains called chondrules. Specific gravity: 3.0-3.8. Highly magnetic due to iron-nickel content.

Hardness: 5-6 Mohs
Color: Dark brown to black fusion crust with lighter interior
Luster: Dull to sub-metallic

Identified July 4, 2026More meteorite →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed in the early solar nebula approximately 4.5 billion years ago. These are remnants of protoplanetary material that never incorporated into a larger planet.

Uses & applications

Scientific research into the origin of the solar system, private collection, and occasionally used as a source for unique jewelry.

Geological facts

Chondrites make up about 86% of all meteorites that fall to Earth. They are the oldest known rocks in the solar system, containing the original building blocks of planets.

Field identification & locations

Identified in the field by presence of a dark fusion crust (from atmospheric entry), attraction to magnets, and significantly higher density than typical Earth rocks. Found globally, especially in deserts or Antarctica.

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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

Chondrite Meteorite

Stony Meteorite (Chondrite)

meteorite

Slag (Anthropogenic Glass/Iron byproduct)

Ferro-silicate Slag

Anthropogenic (Man-made)