Chondrites
Chondrite meteorites are primitive stony meteorites that formed early in the Solar System and contain chondrules, small spherical inclusions formed in space.
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NWA 16120 LL3 Ordinary Chondrite Meteorite Slice, 96.01g, Primitive Type 3 Texture -
Ait Saoun Enstatite Chondrite Meteorite Individual, EH3, 7.88g, Complete Fusion Crust -
NWA XXX Ordinary Chondrite Meteorite Individual, unclassified, 820.15g, Flight Oriented with Contraction Cracks -
NWA 18118 Oriented H5 Ordinary Chondrite, 644g Main Mass Individual -
NWA XXX Carbonaceous Chondrite Meteorite Individual, CM2-type, 21.95g, Oriented with Fusion Crust -
NWA XXX Ordinary Chondrite Meteorite Individual, Unclassified, 787.47g, Oriented Complete Stone -
NWA 17920 Carbonaceous Chondrite Meteorite Slice, CK6, 28.53g, Complete Cross-Section with Fusion Crust -
NWA 16975 LL3 Ordinary Chondrite Meteorite End Cut, 68.00g, Primitive Chondrules in Riker Case -
NWA 17364 LL3.10 Ordinary Chondrite Meteorite End Cut, 3.25g, Sharply Defined Chondrules -
Murchison CM2 Carbonaceous Chondrite Meteorite Slice, 2.18g, Polished, Organic-Rich Matrix -
NWA 17298 Ordinary Chondrite Meteorite End Cut, L6, 209.51g, Partial Fusion Crust -
NWA 17296 Ordinary Chondrite Meteorite Individual, L5, 1472.00g, Oriented with Regmaglypts -
NWA 17916 CO3 Carbonaceous Chondrite Meteorite Slice, 13.67g, Dense Chondrule Population -
NWA XXX Ordinary Chondrite Meteorite Individual, Unclassified, 1091.71g, Oriented with Regmaglypts -
NWA XXX Ordinary Chondrite Meteorite Individual, Unclassified, 869.00g, Oriented with Regmaglypts -
NWA XXX Unclassified Ordinary Chondrite Individual, 1668.24g, Oriented Flight with Fresh Fusion Crust -
NWA 17919 Chondrite Meteorite Individual, H6, 488.00g, Mirror Polished Window with Fusion Crust -
NWA 15468 Ordinary Chondrite Meteorite Slice, OC4 melt breccia, 42.09g, Impact-Molten Matrix -
NWA XXX Unclassified Ordinary Chondrite Meteorite Individual, 313.16g, Oriented with Fusion Crust Window -
NWA XXX Ordinary Chondrite Meteorite Individual, Unclassified, 316.40g, Complete Fusion Crust, Oriented -
NWA XXX Ordinary Chondrite Meteorite Individual, unclassified, 635.58g, Flight Oriented with Regmaglypts -
NWA 17496 Chondrite Meteorite Slice, L3, 13.23g, Preserved Chondrules in Riker Display -
NWA 17496 Chondrite Meteorite End Cut, L3, 17.40g, Preserved Chondrules in Riker Display -
NWA 17496 L3 Chondrite Meteorite Slice, 10.33g, Riker Display, Preserved Chondrules
Chondrites are the most primitive meteorites in existence. Their parent asteroids never melted or differentiated, preserving the composition of the early solar system in nearly original form. Most contain chondrules, tiny spherical objects that crystallized from molten droplets in the solar nebula 4.56 billion years ago, among the oldest solid objects known. Unless specifically stated in the listing, specimens in this collection are Meteoritical Bulletin classified.
How we verify chondrites are real
Every specimen is tied to a Meteoritical Bulletin entry, the official global registry of classified meteorites maintained by the Meteoritical Society. Classification is performed by accredited laboratories that analyze chondrule textures, mineralogy, and oxygen isotope ratios. The Bulletin record is the definitive proof of authenticity. Read more: The Meteoritical Bulletin Explained.
Main chondrite groups
Ordinary chondrites (H, L, and LL groups) are by far the most commonly recovered meteorites on Earth. They are distinguished by total iron content and the ratio of metallic to oxidized iron. H chondrites are high-iron, L chondrites are low-iron, and LL chondrites have both low total and low metallic iron.
Carbonaceous chondrites are the most primitive group, containing water-bearing minerals, organic compounds, and presolar grains older than the Sun itself. They include groups CI, CM, CV, CO, CK, CR, CH, and CB, named after type specimens. Read more: Carbonaceous Chondrites.
Enstatite chondrites (EH and EL groups) formed in the inner solar system under highly reducing conditions. Their oxygen isotope composition is remarkably similar to Earth's, suggesting they may represent material similar to Earth's original building blocks.
Rumuruti (R) chondrites and Kakangari (K) chondrites are smaller groups with distinct oxygen isotope signatures and mineralogy, indicating yet more parent bodies in the early asteroid belt.
Frequently asked questions
What is a chondrule? Chondrules are spherical or near-spherical inclusions of silicate minerals, typically 0.1 to 2 millimeters across, that formed when molten droplets cooled rapidly in the solar nebula. They are the diagnostic feature of chondrites. Read more: What Is a Chondrite?
Are chondrites magnetic? Most ordinary chondrites contain enough metallic iron to attract a magnet, with H chondrites being the most strongly magnetic. Carbonaceous chondrites are generally less magnetic because they contain little free metal. Read more: Are Meteorites Magnetic?
How do I tell a chondrite from a terrestrial rock? Look for a dark fusion crust, visible chondrules on a cut surface, metallic flecks, and density higher than typical Earth rocks. Definitive identification requires laboratory analysis. Read more: How Can You Tell if a Meteorite Is Real?
What does L3 or H5 mean? The number is a petrologic type from 1 to 7, indicating how much thermal metamorphism the meteorite experienced on its parent body. Type 3 specimens are the least altered and show the sharpest chondrules; higher numbers indicate progressive recrystallization.
Are these specimens authenticated? Unless otherwise noted, every chondrite here has a Meteoritical Bulletin record and ships with a Treasure Coast Meteorite Co. certificate of authenticity.
See also: Carbonaceous Chondrites · Stony Meteorites · Iron Meteorites · Types of Meteorites · Are Meteorites Illegal to Own?