The C chondrites represent only a small proportion (4.6%) of meteorite falls. They include some of the most primitive known meteorites. Some carbonaceous chondrites are rich in carbon (CI and CM chondrites have 1.5–6% carbon), but others are not. They have come to us from space, can give us clues to the makeup of our neighboring celestial bodies, and can even help us to understand how the Solar System evolved; so the term ordinary chondrite might seem a little misleading. 4,567 Ma - and their abundances of nonvolatile elements are close to those in the solar photosphere. Within the H, L and LL categories, less altered meteorites are listed first. Krot, in Treatise on Geochemistry, 2007. There is nothing commonplace about meteorites. Below are some photos of sawn faces of ordinary chondrites.   When we look at primitive chondrites, we are getting a glimpse of what we would have seen very early in the formation of out solar system What are Chondrites?Chondrites are meteorites that provide the best% clues to the origin of the solar system. The Meteoritical Society categorizes chondrites by class and chemistry: . C chondrites (carbonaceous) are some of the most pristine material known; their composition closely matches the sun. Let’s start with some of the oldest meteorites in the solar system: chondrites. Carbonaceous chondrites generally have Mg/Si ratios near the solar value, and oxygen isotope compositions that plot below the terrestrial fractionation line. The brightest materials in each photo are metal grains (veins in “Richarton”). Carbonaceous chondrites or C chondrites represent some of the most pristine matter known, and their chemical compositions match the chemistry of the Sun more closely than any other class of chondrites. The Ordinary Chondrites are arranged with higher iron meteorites first. Those designated LL have between 1 and 3% iron-nickel metal. To find out more, visit our type table.. All chondrites are essentially made of chondrules stuck together during the process of accretion and are considered to be undifferentiated. Ordinary chondrites - constitute about 74% of the meteorites falling to Earth. Chondrites Are the Oldest Meteorites in the Solar System. This is because their parent bodies have not undergone the process where metal separates (or differentiates) from silicates to form a core and mantle, a process that also destroys (or encrypts) the chondrules. Their most abundant component is a magnesium silicate mineral called enstatite (Mg 2 Si 2 O 6). The ordinary chondrites are thought to have originated from three parent asteroids, whose fragments make up the H chondrite, L chondrite and LL chondrite groups respectively. Most (~85%) stony meteorites are ordinary chondrites. Most of the matrix of the chondrites is made of the original condensates in the protoplanetary disk. Carbonaceous chondrites or C chondrites are a class of chondritic meteorites comprising at least 8 known groups and many ungrouped meteorites. Some iron meteorites also contain many … Chondrites: The Most Abundant Type of Meteorite. It is thought that these chondrites formed within the orbit of Mars. Carbonaceous Chondrites. One group of chondrites (CB) has over 50% metal by volume and contains meteorites that were called stony irons until their affinities with chondrites were recognized. E.R.D. In fact, the term "stony iron" is a misnomer as currently used. Carbonaceous chondrites are now defined on the basis of their refractory elemental abundances, which equal or exceed those in CI chondrites. 1.07.2.3 Carbonaceous Chondrites. Meteorites designated H have between 15 and 19% iron-nickel metal. They are the oldest known rocks - their components formed during the birth of the solar system ca. Those designated L have between 1 and 10% iron-nickel metal. They contain water and formed in an oxygen-rich part of the solar system. Scott, A.N. Enstatite chondrites - comprise about 2% of the meteorites falling to Earth. Some famous carbonaceous chondrites are: Allende, Murchison, Orgueil, Ivuna, Murray, Tagish Lake, and Sutter's Mill The H type ordinary chondrites are the most common type of meteorite, accounting for approximately 40% of all those catalogued, 46% of the ordinary chondrites, and 44% of the chondrites. These meteorites are very pristine, meaning they haven’t been melted or altered much since their formation. Ordinary Chondrites. Ordinary chondrites contain iron-nickel metal and, consequently, will attract even a cheap magnet. The original condensates in the solar value, and oxygen isotope compositions plot! 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