Alfaniello - L6 Ordinary Chondrite

Alfianello is a historic witnessed L6 Ordinary Chondrite fall from Lombardy, Italy, which occurred on 16 February 1883 in the province of Brescia. A stone of around 228 kg fell after detonations, making it one of the more substantial Italian meteorite falls and an important European witnessed event from the 19th century. As an L Chondrite, Alfianello has lower metallic iron than H Chondrites, while its type 6 classification indicates a high degree of thermal metamorphism on its parent asteroid.

Alfianello specimens typically show the compact, recrystallised texture of an L6 Ordinary Chondrite, with subdued chondrules, scattered metal grains, and a grey to brown stony matrix. Type 6 Chondrites have been strongly altered by heat on their parent body, so their original Chondritic features are less distinct than in type 3 or 4 material. Published classification work confirms Alfianello as an L6 Ordinary Chondrite, with the total known mass recorded at 228 kg.

Studying Alfianello provides insight into L Chondrite parent bodies, thermal metamorphism, and the history of classic European meteorite falls. Its Italian provenance, substantial recovered mass, witnessed fall status, and long scientific record make it especially appealing for collectors of historic falls and Ordinary Chondrites. Each specimen represents ancient asteroid material formed over 4.5 billion years ago, connected to a documented fall from 1883.