Class: CV3
Found: Morocco in 2003
NWA 2086 is type CV, known for the white inclusions near top center. These contain microscopic diamonds whose unusual isotopic signatures point to an origin outside the solar system. They are likely the product of a nearby supernova occurring while the solar system was forming. This rock is older than the sun.
Class: CO3.6
Found: Morocco in 2001
CO chondrites are rare; they contain very small chondrules. At some point in their history, they have been hot enough to undergo a small amount of metamorphism.
Class: CR2
Found: Morocco in 2001
This is a small fragment of a rare CR2 meteorite - one of only 109 known in the world. The R stands for Renazzo; the R class of C chondrites is named after Renazzo, the first of this class of meteorites.
C chondrites (carbonaceous) are some of the most pristine material known; their composition closely matches the sun. They contain water and formed in an oxygen-rich part of the solar system.
Class: CV3
Found: Mexico in 1969
Allende was an earlier know CV-3 chondrite thtat helped astronomers understaand the nature of the early solar system. Over two tons of this meteorite feel on Allende, Mexico in 1969. Allende is probably the most studied meteorite in history.
Class: CM2
Found: Australia in 1969
Murchison is one of the most famous meteorites. It has been extensively studied. Murchison is a carbonaceous chondrite that is even more rare because it contains amino acids. It essentially proves that the building blocks of life were present in the solar system before the formation of the Earth.
Note: All meteorite photographs include a 1 cm scaling cube for sizing reference. Click on the image to expand.
Class: CK4
Found: Algeria in November 2007
CK (Karoonda type) chondrites are very similar to CV chondrites. However, they have far fewer refractory inclusions (which are highly tolerant of heat), are much more oxidized, and have undergone extensive metamorphosis by heat.
Class: CV3
Found: Algeria in 2009
NWA 5950 is another example of a CV3, among the earliest and most primitive meteorites.
Class: CBa Bencubbinite
Found: Nigeria in 1984
Bencubbinite-like meteorites are extremely rare and unusual. They are carbonaceous chondrites with huge, cm-sized chondrules. Their origin is a mystery - but signs point to formation directly from the solar nebula.
In order to make apple pie from scratch, you must first create the universe.
- Carl Sagan
