Collection
Classification: Ordinary (O) LL3.15 (Low iron Low metal) chondrite
Observed fall: No
Year found: 2018
City, Country: Northwest Africa
Mass: 597 g
In collection
Weight #1 : 2,91 g
Weight #2 : 8,08 g
Certificate of authenticity: Yes (2)
LL3 ordinary chondrites are a rare subclass of meteorites characterized by their low iron and low metal content, classified under petrologic type 3. As some of the most primitive meteorites known, LL3 chondrites have experienced minimal thermal metamorphism since their formation over 4.5 billion years ago. They are rich in well-preserved chondrules—small, spherical silicate grains that are among the oldest materials in the solar system—embedded within a fine-grained matrix. Studying LL3 chondrites provides valuable insights into the early solar nebula’s composition and the processes that led to the formation of planets, offering a window into the conditions present during the very beginnings of our solar system.
When examining an LL3 ordinary chondrite under a light microscope, particularly using thin sections, several distinctive features can be observed:
Chondrules with variety of textures:
- Porphyritic Olivine/Pyroxene Chondrules: Contain large, well-formed crystals (phenocrysts) of olivine and/or pyroxene within a finer-grained matrix.
- Barred Olivine Chondrules: Display parallel bars of olivine crystals that may show vibrant interference colors under cross-polarized light.
- Radial Pyroxene Chondrules: Feature pyroxene crystals radiating from a central point, resembling spokes on a wheel.
- Cryptocrystalline and Glassy Chondrules: Consist of very fine-grained or glassy material, indicating rapid cooling from a molten state
