Cold Bokkeveld - CM2 Carbonaceous Chondrite

Cold Bokkeveld is a historic witnessed CM2 Carbonaceous Chondrite fall from South Africa, which occurred on 13 October 1838 in the Western Cape region. The fall was observed after a bright meteor and loud detonations, with several stones recovered shortly afterwards. With a total recovered mass of around 5.2 kg, Cold Bokkeveld is especially important as the first witnessed CM2 Carbonaceous Chondrite fall, giving it a significant place in both scientific and collecting history.

Cold Bokkeveld specimens are typically dark, fine-grained, and fragile, reflecting their Carbonaceous composition and history of aqueous alteration. As a CM2 meteorite, it contains hydrated minerals and organic-rich material, along with small chondrules and fine matrix components. Its primitive chemistry makes it scientifically valuable, while its historic fall provenance and limited recovered mass make individual specimens scarce and highly desirable.

Studying Cold Bokkeveld provides valuable insight into water-altered asteroid material, early solar system chemistry, and the role of Carbonaceous Chondrites in delivering volatile and organic compounds to Earth. Its age as a documented fall, South African provenance, and status as the first observed CM2 fall give it exceptional importance. For collectors, each specimen represents a rare piece of primitive solar system material connected to one of the earliest scientifically recorded Carbonaceous meteorite falls.