Clovis - H3.6 Ordinary Chondrite

Clovis is an H3.6 Ordinary Chondrite from New Mexico, USA, found in 1961. The meteorite was uncovered when a plough struck a large, very weathered stone buried in sediments, with a reported recovered mass of around 283 kg. As an H Chondrite, Clovis contains relatively high iron compared with L and LL Chondrites, while its type 3.6 classification makes it especially interesting as a relatively unequilibrated meteorite preserving clear early Chondritic textures.

Clovis specimens are known for their abundant, well-formed chondrules, often visible in cut sections. The interior shows distinct Chondritic texture, with small olivine and pyroxene chondrules set within a groundmass containing nickel-iron and troilite. Its weathered exterior reflects long terrestrial residence, but the internal structure can still preserve valuable primitive features, making it visually and scientifically different from more thermally equilibrated H5 or H6 Chondrites.

Studying Clovis provides insight into early solar system material, chondrule formation, and the transition between unequilibrated and more altered Ordinary Chondrites. Its New Mexico provenance, large original mass, and uncommon H3.6 classification make it especially desirable for collectors focused on USA meteorites or type 3 Chondrites. Each specimen represents ancient asteroid material formed over 4.5 billion years ago, preserving some of the original textures of the early solar system.