Ghubara - L5 Ordinary Chondrite

Ghubara is an L5 Ordinary Chondrite found in Al Wusta, Oman, in 1954. It is historically important as one of the first meteorites recognised from Oman, alongside Tarfa, long before the later wave of desert meteorite recoveries from the region. As an L Chondrite, Ghubara has lower metallic iron than H Chondrites, while its type 5 classification indicates significant thermal metamorphism on its parent asteroid. The Meteoritical Bulletin records Ghubara as an approved Omani meteorite, with historic synonyms including Ghubara 1954 and Gnubara.

Ghubara specimens typically show the compact texture of an L5 Ordinary Chondrite, with a grey to dark stony interior, subdued chondrules, and scattered metal grains. It is also known as a xenolithic breccia, containing clasts and inclusions that add scientific interest beyond a typical equilibrated Chondrite. Some descriptions note that the stones were fresh internally when found, with only slightly weathered crust, while later specimens can vary depending on preparation and terrestrial exposure.

Studying Ghubara provides insight into L Chondrite parent bodies, thermal metamorphism, brecciation, and the early history of meteorite recovery in Oman. Its recognised classification, historic provenance, and unusual included material make it especially appealing for collectors of Ordinary Chondrites and classic desert finds. Each specimen represents ancient asteroid material formed over 4.5 billion years ago, preserved as part of one of Oman’s earliest recorded meteorites.