Chondrites are the most common type of stony meteorite, characterized by the presence of small spherical grains called chondrules. Collectors should look for a dark fusion crust on the exterior and small metallic flakes embedded within a silicate matrix.

Hardness

5-6

Mohs

Luster

Dull

Streak

White

Transparency

Opaque

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Chondrite

Hardness: 5-6
Luster: Dull
Streak: White
Transparency: Opaque

Is this chondrite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch chondrite with a known reference. Chondrite sits at Mohs 5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Chondrite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Chondrite typically shows a dull luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: gray, brown, black.
5
Look at form & habit
Typical habit: massive.

Often found alongside chondrite

Minerals reported to co-occur with chondrite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Mohs hardness: 5-6
Density: 3.0-3.7 g/cm³
Colors: Gray Brown Black
Streak: White
Luster: Dull
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal habit: Massive
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Common
Uses: Collector, Scientific Research
Host rock: Extraterrestrial Origin
Typical price: $10-50 per gram

Where rockhounds find chondrite

Classic worldwide localities

Antarctica
Sahara Desert
Northwest Africa
Atacama Desert

Field-hunting tip

Look in extraterrestrial origin country — that is the host setting where chondrite typically forms. If you start seeing olivine, pyroxene, iron-nickel alloy in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify chondrite?+

Mohs hardness is 5-6. It typically shows a dull luster. The streak is white. Common colors include gray, brown, black.

Where is chondrite found?+

Notable localities include Antarctica; Sahara Desert; Northwest Africa; Atacama Desert.

How much is chondrite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $10-50 per gram. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What minerals are found with chondrite?+

Chondrite commonly co-occurs with olivine, pyroxene, iron-nickel alloy, troilite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does chondrite form in?+

Chondrite typically forms in extraterrestrial origin. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is chondrite used for?+

Chondrite is used in collector, scientific research.

Find chondrite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.