Ordinary Chondrites

Ordinary Chondrites are the most common type of meteorite found on Earth, making up the majority of all finds and observed falls. They originate from primitive asteroids that formed over 4.5 billion years ago and have remained largely unchanged since the early solar system. These meteorites are composed of small, round silicate grains known as chondrules, which formed as molten droplets in space before being compacted together. After being fragmented by collisions, pieces of these ancient bodies entered Earth-crossing orbits and eventually fell to the surface.

 

Ordinary Chondrites are typically divided into three main groups: H, L, and LL, based on their iron content and mineral composition. When cut and polished, they often reveal a fine-grained interior with visible chondrules and small flecks of metallic iron. While they may appear modest compared to rarer meteorites, their structure preserves some of the earliest solid material formed in the solar system. Their outer surface is usually covered by a dark fusion crust formed during atmospheric entry, although this crust often weathers away after prolonged periods on Earth, to a point were very little original crust remains, or small amounts of what is referred to as 'remnant crust'. Prolonged exposure to mineral-rich winds can create what is known as a 'desert varnish', which can sometimes be mistaken for crust.

 

Studying Ordinary Chondrites provides valuable insight into the building blocks of planets and the processes that shaped the early solar system. Because they are relatively abundant, they have been extensively analysed and form the foundation of much of our understanding of meteoritics. For collectors, Ordinary Chondrites offer an authentic and affordable entry into meteorite collecting, combining scientific importance with a direct connection to the origins of planetary material.

Ordinary Chondrite Sub-Types

Ordinary Chondrite Collections

106 products

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NWA*** (Unclassified) - Ordinary Chondrite - Complete Individual - 178.5g - Northwest Africa

NWA*** (Unclassified) - Ordinary Chondrite - Complete Individual - 178.5g - Northwest Africa

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$228.00
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$228.00
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$342.00
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NWA*** (Unclassified) - Ordinary Chondrite - Complete Individual - 168.3g - Northwest Africa

NWA*** (Unclassified) - Ordinary Chondrite - Complete Individual - 168.3g - Northwest Africa

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$213.00
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$213.00
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$321.00
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NWA*** (Unclassified) - Ordinary Chondrite - Complete Individual - 136.3g - Northwest Africa

NWA*** (Unclassified) - Ordinary Chondrite - Complete Individual - 136.3g - Northwest Africa

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$173.00
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$173.00
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$260.00
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NWA*** (Unclassified) - Ordinary Chondrite - Complete Individual - 115g - Northwest Africa

NWA*** (Unclassified) - Ordinary Chondrite - Complete Individual - 115g - Northwest Africa

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$146.00
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$146.00
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$220.00
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Chondrite - Unclassified NWA - 313.2g - Northwest Africa

Chondrite - Unclassified NWA - 313.2g - Northwest Africa

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$599.00
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$897.00
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NWA*** (Unclassified) - Ordinary Chondrite - Complete Individual - 90.6g - Northwest Africa

NWA*** (Unclassified) - Ordinary Chondrite - Complete Individual - 90.6g - Northwest Africa

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$116.00
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$116.00
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$174.00
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Hammadah al Hamra 346 (aka. Ghadamis) - L6 Ordinary Chondrite - Complete Individual -206.1g - Libya
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El Menia - L5 Ordinary Chondrite - Complete Individual - 152g - Algeria

El Menia - L5 Ordinary Chondrite - Complete Individual - 152g - Algeria

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$1,158.00
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Hammadah al Hamra 346 (aka. Ghadamis) - L6 Ordinary Chondrite - Complete Individual - 246.29g - Libya
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El Menia - L5 Ordinary Chondrite - Complete Individual - 513g - Algeria

El Menia - L5 Ordinary Chondrite - Complete Individual - 513g - Algeria

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$3,907.00
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