LL3 Ordinary Chondrite (NWA 10499)
Image: Ahmad Fairuz (CC BY 4.0)
Mineral NameLL3 Ordinary Chondrite (NWA 10499)
Chemical FormulaPrimarily silicates (e.g., (Mg,Fe)2SiO4, (Mg,Fe)SiO3), with Fe-Ni metal and FeS
Mohs Hardness5
Streak ColorGrey to brownish-grey
CleavageNot applicable (rock aggregate)
FractureUneven to sub-conchoidal
Specific Gravity3.3
Colorsreddish-brown, golden-brown, dark grey, black
TransparencyOpaque
Type LocalityNorth West Africa (NWA 10499)
Mineral GroupNot a mineral group; a rock type composed of Silicates, Native Elements, Sulfides
Usesscientific research, collector
Associated Mineralsolivine, pyroxene, kamacite, taenite, troilite, plagioclase
Rarityuncommon
Description
This slice of a meteorite displays a densely packed texture of spherical to sub-spherical chondrules, varying in size and color, embedded within a finer-grained matrix. The specimen exhibits a mottled appearance with dominant hues of reddish-brown, golden-brown, and dark grey.
Geological Context
LL3 ordinary chondrites are primitive meteorites originating from the asteroid belt, representing undifferentiated material from a parent body that underwent minimal thermal metamorphism (type 3). They formed in the early solar system from the accretion of dust and chondrules, providing insights into planetary formation.
