1.2" Stony Chondrite Meteorite (28.8 grams) Keychain - Morocco

This is a 1.2" wide (28.8 gram), stony (chondrite) meteorite keychain from a large strewn field in the western Sahara Desert of Morocco. We believe this would probably be classified as a L3 chondrite based on most of the material found in the area, though this can't be definitively determined without in-depth analysis.

The meteorite is securely fastened to a 2" chain and loop.

A chondrite is a stony (non-metallic) meteorite that has not been modified, by either melting or differentiation of the parent body. Chondrites are formed when various types of dust and small grains in the early Solar System accreted to form primitive asteroids. Some such bodies that are captured in the planet’s gravity well. They are by far the most common type of meteorite, representing about 86% of all meteorites that have fallen to earth.

Prominent among the components present in chondrites are the enigmatic chondrules, millimeter-sized spherical objects that originated as freely floating, molten or partially molten droplets in space; most chondrules are rich in the silicate minerals olivine and pyroxene. Chondrites also contain particles of various metals such as nickel, iron, and aluminum.

Chondrites are divided into about 15 distinct groups on the basis of their mineralogy, bulk chemical composition, and oxygen isotope compositions. The various chondrite groups likely originated on separate asteroids or groups of related asteroids. Each chondrite group has a distinctive mixture of chondrules, refractory inclusions, matrix (dust), and other components and a characteristic grain size. Other ways of classifying chondrites include weathering and shock. The L chondrite group is the most common of these.
FOR SALE
$59
DETAILS
SPECIES
Chondrite (Probably L3)
LOCATION
Western Sahara Desert, Morocco
SIZE
1.2 x 1.1 x .7"
SUB CATEGORY
ITEM
#238146