Chondrule Collection

The Murchison CM2 carbonaceous chondrite
Murchison fell in September 1969, in Victoria, Australia. It is rich in indigenous (i.e. not terrestrial contaminant) amino acids and other organic molecules

Stone meteorite C016 / 5870
Stone meteorite. This is a chondrite meteorite, that is it is unmelted. Specimen held at the Natural History Museum, London, UK

Beardsley chondrite meteorite C016 / 5677
Beardsley chondrite meteorite. This is a type of stony meteorite that has not been altered by processes such as melting, and represents the original material that formed the asteroids

Chondrite meteorite C013 / 7777
Chondrite meteorite. Meteorite GRO95505 that was found in the Grosvenor Mountains, Antarctica. The exterior of this ordinary chondrite is covered with black fractured fusion crust on most of its

Chondrite meteorite C013 / 7776
Chondrite meteorite. Meteorite that has been split open to reveal its internal structure. This is meteorite GRO95544 that was found in the Grosvenor Mountains, Antarctica

The Beardsley H5 ordinary chondrite
Beardsley fell in Kansas, U.S.A in 1929. Its fine-grained texture, with poor chondrule resolution indicate that it has experienced thermal metamorphism

The Abee EH4 enstatite chondrite
Abee fell in Canada in 1953. The cut surface clearly shows the metal-rich and brecciated texture of Abee

Vigarano CV3 chondrite
This carbonaceous chondrite meteorite fell in Italy in 1910. It has clearly delineated chondrules or small granules

Parnallee LL3. 6 ordinary chondrite
Parnallee fell in India in 1857. The cut surface clearly shows well-delineated chondrules and slightly larger clasts

Brownfield (1973) H3. 7 ordinary chondrite
This meteorite fell in Texas in 1937. It has very small chondrules, plus highly-reflective metal and sulphide grains can easily be picked out

Microscope image of chondrite showing chondrules, typical of primitive meteorites. Horizontal field of view, 3.3mm

Optical microscope image of the Barwell (Type 6) chondrite. This meteorite has experienced a significant amount of heating

Optical microscope image of the Parnallee (Type 3) chondrite
An optical microscope image of the Parnallee (Type 3) chondrite that has experienced little heating. The chondrules are clear and well-defined. The field of view is 5mm

The Parnalle ordinary chondrite
The Parnallee ordinary chondrite, part of the Parnallee meteorite that fell in India in 1857

The Barwell meteorite, showing a rock frgament formed by melting of a pre-existing planetary body; this indicates that plantesimals were present when chondrules formed

Textures of different chondrule types in the Etihudna (L4) ordinary chondrite (field of view 4mm)

Porphyritic olivine and pyroxene chondrule
Microscopic image of a porphyritic olivine and pyroxene chondrule from the Palmyra (L3) ordinary chondrite (the chondrule is about 1.8mm across)

Radial pyroxene chondrule
Microscope image of a radial pyroxene chondrule from the ALH 88036 (H3.4) ordinary chondrite. The chondrule is about 2mm across

Ivuna meteorite
The Ivuna carbonaceous chondrite. This type of meteorite is the richest in volatile elements

Barred olivine chondrule from the Palmyra ordinary chondrite (the chondrule is about 1.2mm across)

For sale as Licensed Images

Choose your image, Select your licence and Download the media

Chondrules, the tiny spherical grains found in meteorites, hold secrets about the formation of our solar system. The Murchison CM2 carbonaceous chondrite is a treasure trove of these enigmatic structures. This stone meteorite C016/5870 contains an abundance of chondrules that scientists eagerly study to unravel their origin and composition. Another fascinating specimen is the Beardsley chondrite meteorite C016/5677, which showcases distinct chondrule formations. Its counterpart, the Chondrite meteorite C013/7777, offers a unique glimpse into the diversity of these ancient cosmic building blocks. The Beardsley H5 ordinary chondrite provides further insight into this intriguing phenomenon. With its characteristic fusion crust and embedded chondrules, it captivates researchers seeking to understand how such intricate structures formed within asteroids billions of years ago. Notable among enstatite chondrites is the Abee EH4 variety. These rare specimens offer valuable information about early planetary processes and have been instrumental in deciphering Earth's geological history. The Vigarano CV3 chondrite presents yet another facet of this captivating subject. Renowned for its rich assortment of minerals and well-preserved matrix surrounding numerous pristine chondrules, it continues to astound scientists with each examination. Meanwhile, the Parnallee LL3. 6 ordinary chondrite holds clues about volatile elements present during planetesimal formation while shedding light on thermal metamorphism within asteroidal bodies. Intriguingly named Brownfield (1973) H3. 7 ordinary chondrite adds to our understanding by showcasing distinctive features like shock veins traversing through various-sized rounded particles known as porphyritic olivine-rich fragments. Microscope images provide invaluable insights into these remarkable objects' microscopic details—revealing intricate textures and mineral compositions that help piece together their complex histories.