meteorite
Stony Meteorite (Chondrite)
Ordinary Chondrite (L or H type)
Features a dark, weathered fusion crust on the exterior with a lighter silicate interior containing iron-nickel metal flecks. High density, weakly to strongly magnetic, Mohs hardness 5-6.
Identified More meteorite →
Explore Stony Meteorite (Chondrite) in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Features a dark, weathered fusion crust on the exterior with a lighter silicate interior containing iron-nickel metal flecks. High density, weakly to strongly magnetic, Mohs hardness 5-6.
Formation & geological history
Primordial material from the asteroid belt, approximately 4.5 billion years old. Created from cosmic dust and grains that accreted early in the solar system's history and fell to Earth through the atmosphere.
Uses & applications
Extensive value for scientific research into the early solar system and highly prized as a collector's specimen.
Geological facts
Chondrites are unique because they contain chondrules—small, spherical grains that were once molten droplets in space. They are among the oldest materials known to exist in our solar system.
Field identification & locations
Identify by the presence of a fusion crust (a thin, dark, glassy rind), high weight for its size, and the attraction to a magnet. Commonly found in deserts or Antarctica where they are easily spotted against the landscape.
More like this
Other meteorite specimens
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)