ScienceAugust 27, 2026

chondrite

KON-dright

Definition

A common type of stony meteorite containing small, rounded mineral grains called chondrules that formed in the early solar system.

Etymology

The word is derived from the Greek 'chondros' meaning 'grain' or 'seed', plus the suffix '-ite' used for minerals. It was coined in the 19th century to describe these specific meteorites characterized by their granular internal structure.

In the news

The article identifies the Great Salt Lake meteorite as an H5 chondrite, noting that it contains characteristic chondrules formed during the assembly of the early solar system.

Great Salt Lake meteorite lands in a new home

Read the full article ↗

The University of Utah

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