Travis County (a) - H5 Ordinary Chondrite

Travis County (a) is an H5 Ordinary Chondrite from Travis County, Texas, USA. It is one of several distinct Travis County meteorites, with the ‘(a)’ designation separating it from later or separate recoveries in the same county. As an H Chondrite, Travis County (a) contains relatively high iron compared with L and LL Chondrites, while its type 5 classification indicates significant thermal metamorphism on its parent asteroid. The Meteoritical Bulletin records Travis County (a) as an approved Texas meteorite, with the synonym ‘Hill’s Stone’ also noted.

Travis County (a) specimens typically show the compact, equilibrated texture of an H5 Ordinary Chondrite, with metal grains, silicate minerals, and subdued chondrules. The type 5 classification means that original Chondritic features have been partly recrystallised by heat, producing a more uniform internal texture than less altered type 3 or 4 material. Historic sale records and catalogues describe Travis County (a) as an H5 Chondrite from Texas, with some substantial prepared slices known from the larger recovered masses.

Studying Travis County (a) provides insight into the H Chondrite parent body, thermal alteration, and the preservation of Ordinary Chondrites in the American Southwest. For collectors, it offers a recognised Texas meteorite with historic provenance, official classification, and classic H5 characteristics. Each specimen represents ancient asteroid material formed over 4.5 billion years ago, preserved as part of a documented USA meteorite find.