Carbonaceous Chondrites

Carbonaceous chondrites are the most primitive meteorites known to science, preserving carbon, water-bearing minerals, and organic compounds that formed in the earliest stages of the Solar System. Every carbonaceous chondrite offered here is paired with its Meteoritical Bulletin classification, so collectors can verify the group (CI, CM, CO, CV, CR, CK, CH, CB, or ungrouped) before buying.

How we verify carbonaceous chondrites are real

Each specimen ships with its official classification from the Meteoritical Bulletin, the international registry maintained by the Meteoritical Society. Learn how that authentication process works on our Meteoritical Bulletin explained page, and see broader context on how to tell if a meteorite is real.

Types of carbonaceous chondrites

CI chondrites have a composition closest to the Sun itself (excluding hydrogen and helium) and are heavily altered by water. Specimens are extremely rare in collections.

CM chondrites are aqueously altered, carbon-rich stones famous for hosting amino acids and other organic molecules. The Murchison fall is the best-known example.

CO chondrites (Ornans-type) contain small, well-defined chondrules and limited aqueous alteration, making them popular targets for thin-section study.

CV chondrites (Vigarano-type) include the Allende fall, with large chondrules and calcium-aluminum-rich inclusions (CAIs) representing some of the oldest dated solids in the Solar System.

CR chondrites (Renazzo-type) are metal-bearing stones with distinctive chondrule rims and significant primitive organic matter.

CK chondrites (Karoonda-type) tend to be more thermally metamorphosed than other carbonaceous groups, with darker matrices and oxidized iron.

CH and CB chondrites are metal-rich, often considered transitional between chondrites and iron-bearing types. Specimens are scarce and highly prized.

C2-ungrouped and other rare types capture stones that show carbonaceous affinity but do not match a defined group, reflecting the diversity of the early Solar System.

Frequently asked questions

What makes carbonaceous chondrites different from ordinary chondrites? Carbonaceous chondrites contain more carbon, more water-bearing minerals, and more primitive organic compounds than ordinary chondrites, and they have generally seen less thermal processing. Read more: What is a chondrite?

Are carbonaceous chondrites valuable? Yes. They are among the rarer chondrite groups, and witnessed falls such as Murchison and Allende can command very high prices per gram. Read more: How much do meteorites cost?

Are carbonaceous chondrites stable to handle? Most groups are stable, but CI and some CM stones are hygroscopic and benefit from a dry display environment. Use cotton gloves and a sealed display box when possible.

Can I legally own a carbonaceous chondrite? Yes, in the United States and most countries. A few source countries restrict export, so always buy specimens with clear provenance. Read more: Are meteorites illegal to own?

Do carbonaceous chondrites contain life? No. They contain prebiotic organic molecules including amino acids, but no biological material. They are studied as a window into the chemistry that preceded life. Read more: What is a chondrite?

See also: Chondrites · Stony meteorites · Lunar meteorites · Martian meteorites · Types of meteorites