chondrite classification

From the chondrite information page, the petrographic classification scheme works kind of like this: completely altered by water into clay (no known …

Allende, CV3.2

Allende is one of the largest recovered falls of the 20th century, and also one of the most scientifically important and researched.  …

Dar al Gani 978, C3-ungrouped

This meteorite has several pairings, with classifications including: CV3, CK3, and C3-ungrouped.  DaG 978 is officially published as a C3-ungrouped carbonaceous chondrite.  …

unequilibrated chondrite

chondrites

Chondrites are the most primitive group of meteorites.  They have formation ages dating to at least 4.56 billion years before the present, …

Dhofar 325, CO3.5

The average chondrule diameter of this stone is 100 – 200 µm: it isn’t an L-chondrite. From the Meteoritical Bulletin: Given the …

Ivuna, CI1

Type-1 chondrites are fairly rare, partly because they are so fragile.  Atmospheric entry often results in very high mass loss for these …

Karoonda, CK4

Karoonda is the type specimen of the CK-meteorite class, meaning that it is the first CK chondrite to be known or recognized.  …

Lucerne Valley, CK4

Per the Meteoritical Bulletin: This 5.6 gram fragment from the find is the largest one we’ve found.  Many thanks to Robert Matson …

NWA 6507, CR2

While perusing eBay one day, an armored chondrule poking through the fusion crust of an unclassified stone caught my eye.  The 5.1 …

NWA 7411, CV3

This brick of a meteorite is a specimen that we bring to every outreach event.  Chondrules, big CAIs, it’s perfect.  And it’s …

NWA 7634, carbonaceous chondrite

This ~850 gram carbonaceous chondrite is something of an enigma.  The original classification was “CO3,” with a description that described it as …

NWA 7802, CM2

This CM2 came from a Moroccan meteorite dealer several years ago.  We finally got around to requesting a provisional number in late …

NWA 7805, CK4

This 45 gram oriented CK chondrite was purchased in 2011 from a Moroccan meteorite dealer.

NWA 7806, CO3

This complete stone has a wonderful shape and is quite fresh.  More data when it comes…

Northwest Africa 7892, CO3.0

This stone is one of the most pristine chondrites known. All carbonaceous and ordinary chondrites have experienced some thermal and aqueous alteration.  …

NWA 8047, CM1

We had just missed out on another specimen from this find; I messaged the seller as soon as I saw his photo …

Northwest Africa, CV3

This beautiful stone with weathered fluting and flow lines was purchased in Erfoud from Mohamed Benzaki.  473.53 + 242.43 gram fitting fragments.

Sutter’s Mill, California

Sutter’s Mill was another one of those falls that happens at just the wrong time.  We had radar data almost immediately, knew …