Ordinary chondrite

Ordinary chondrites are the most common meteorites. They contain spherical inclusions of minerals that chondrules, which usually consist of olivine and / or pyroxene. The chondrules represent original material that is condensed from the early solar nebula. In addition, the chondrites contain variable amounts of nickel iron 5-20 %.

Depending on the metal content of a classification is made in the groups

  • H- chondrites (High- Metal, Fe content: 27.5 % by weight)
  • L- chondrites (Low - Metal, Fe content: 21.5 % by weight)
  • LL chondrites (low- metal, low- iron, Fe content: 18.5 % by weight)

The indicated Fe contents relate to the total iron content, ie iron both in metallic and in oxidized form. A survey of the frequency of the other elements in the various Chondritenklassen can at Kallemeyn et al. ( Geochemistry of ordinary chondrites, Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 1989, Vol 53, page 2747-2767 ) can be found.

Due to the different appearance of the chondrites, a division into petrological classes 1-6 was made, which shows the evolution of meteorites. So chondrites Class 1 were exposed to temperatures exceeding 50 ° C during their development and remained largely unchanged. The meteor of the higher classes were more heated, thereby changing the crystalline structure. Chondrites Class 6 were heated to about 950 ° C.

It is assumed that the different classes of Chondrites caused in various zones of differential asteroids. Chondrites Class H 3 classes H4, H5, H6 and H7 are on the surface, originated in increasing depth.

Representatives of the ordinary chondrites:

  • H3: Korra - Korrabes
  • H4: Kesen
  • H5: Gao - Guenie
  • H6: Peekskill
  • H7: NWA 4229
  • L4 -6: NWA 3009
  • L5: Ghubara; NWA 869
  • L6: Benthullen - the largest German meteorite
  • Meteorites
Kesen meteorite Peekskill meteorite
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