meteorite

Meteorite (likely Chondrite)

Undifferentiated Stony Meteorite (Ordinary Chondrite)

Hardness: 5-6 (variable); Color: Dark brown or black fusion crust exterior, grayish-green interior; Luster: Matte to slightly metallic; Crystal structure: Contains small spherical silicate grains (chondrules); Specific gravity: 3.0-3.8.

Hardness: 5-6 (variable)
Luster: Matte to slightly metallic

Identified July 4, 2026More meteorite →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed roughly 4.6 billion years ago from the solar nebula; accreted in the asteroid belt before being knocked into an Earth-crossing orbit. The exterior shows a fusion crust from atmospheric entry.

Uses & applications

Scientific research into the early solar system, private collecting, and occasionally used in custom jewelry (slices).

Geological facts

Chondrites are the most common type of meteorite falling to Earth. They are essentially 'primordial soup' and provide clues about the ingredients that formed the planets.

Field identification & locations

Identify by checking for a thin, dark fusion crust, presence of regmaglypts (thumbprint-like indentations), attraction to a magnet due to iron-nickel content, and high density compared to terrestrial rocks.

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

Chondrite Meteorite

Stony Meteorite (Chondrite)

meteorite

Slag (Anthropogenic Glass/Iron byproduct)

Ferro-silicate Slag

Anthropogenic (Man-made)