Allende CV3 Carbonaceous Chondrite

Allende Meteorite

The Allende meteorite is the most famous and scientifically studied CV3 carbonaceous chondrite ever recovered. This historic witnessed fall occurred on February 8, 1969, over Chihuahua, Mexico, producing thousands of fragments distributed across a vast strewn field.

Allende rapidly became one of the most important meteorites in planetary science because it preserves some of the oldest known solid materials formed in the early Solar System.

Rich in refractory inclusions, primitive chondrules, and carbonaceous matrix, Allende remains a fundamental reference specimen for understanding the origin and evolution of planetary materials.

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Allende CV3 Carbonaceous Chondrite 164.50 g Large Protruding Chondrule

Allende CV3 Carbonaceous Chondrite 164.50 g Large Protruding Chondrule 2

Available

Carbonaceous Chondrites

Allende CV3 Carbonaceous Chondrite – Complete Individual 164.50 g

$3,900.00

Exceptional 164.50 g specimen of the famous Allende carbonaceous chondrite, preserving extensive original fusion crust together with a fractured surface exposing the dark primitive matrix characteristic of this historic CV3 meteorite. The specimen is particularly remarkable for the presence of a very large protruding chondrule emerging prominently from...

A Historic Witnessed Fall

The Allende fall occurred only months before the Apollo 11 mission, arriving at a pivotal moment in planetary science.

The exceptional quantity of recovered material allowed laboratories worldwide to study pristine primitive Solar System matter in unprecedented detail.

Because of its abundance and scientific importance, Allende became one of the most analyzed meteorites ever discovered.

Rich in CAIs – The Oldest Solar System Solids

Allende is particularly renowned for its abundance of calcium-aluminum-rich inclusions (CAIs), among the oldest known solids formed in the Solar System.

These white to light-colored inclusions formed approximately 4.567 billion years ago and provide critical information concerning:

Early Solar System condensation
Formation of primitive solids
Nebular processes
Isotopic evolution
Chronology of planetary formation

Many Allende specimens display spectacular visible CAIs contrasting against the dark carbonaceous matrix.

Primitive CV3 Carbonaceous Chondrite

Allende belongs to the CV3 group of carbonaceous chondrites, primitive meteorites preserving early Solar System material with relatively limited aqueous alteration.

Its internal structure commonly includes:

Large primitive chondrules
Abundant CAIs
Dark carbonaceous matrix
Metallic grains
Fine sulfides
Primitive refractory minerals

The combination of chondrules and refractory inclusions makes polished Allende sections particularly attractive both scientifically and aesthetically.

Scientific Importance

Few meteorites have contributed as profoundly to planetary science as Allende.

Studies conducted on Allende include:

Radiometric dating
Presolar grain research
Oxygen isotope studies
Organic chemistry investigations
Solar nebula evolution
Primitive planetary formation processes

Allende played a major role in establishing the chronology of the Solar System and remains essential in cosmochemical research.

Appearance and Collector Interest

Allende is highly sought after by collectors because of its historical importance, primitive composition, and highly recognizable appearance.

Collectors particularly seek:

Fresh fusion crust
Visible CAIs
Well-defined chondrules
Complete individuals
Large aesthetic slices
Research-grade specimens

Specimens displaying large visible white inclusions within the dark matrix are especially desirable.

Allende and the Early Solar System

Allende preserves direct evidence of processes occurring during the birth of the Solar System more than 4.5 billion years ago.

Its refractory inclusions and primitive components provide an exceptional record of the earliest stages of planetary accretion and nebular evolution.

Authentic Allende Meteorites

Authentic Allende specimens available to collectors may include complete individuals, crusted fragments, polished slices, and research-grade material.

Each specimen preserves primitive Solar System matter from one of the most important meteorite falls in scientific history.

About the Allende Meteorite

Allende is the most famous CV3 carbonaceous chondrite and one of the most scientifically important meteorites ever recovered.

The meteorite fell in Chihuahua, Mexico, on February 8, 1969, producing thousands of fragments over a large strewn field.

Allende is especially renowned for its abundance of calcium-aluminum-rich inclusions (CAIs), among the oldest known Solar System materials.

Main Characteristics of Allende

CV3 carbonaceous chondrite
Historic witnessed fall
Rich in CAIs
Primitive chondrules
Dark carbonaceous matrix
Major scientific importance

FAQ – Allende Meteorite

What is the Allende meteorite?

Allende is a famous CV3 carbonaceous chondrite that fell in Mexico in 1969 and became one of the most studied meteorites in history.

Why is Allende scientifically important?

Allende contains some of the oldest known Solar System solids, including calcium-aluminum-rich inclusions formed over 4.5 billion years ago.

What are CAIs in Allende?

CAIs are calcium-aluminum-rich inclusions, primitive refractory materials formed during the earliest stages of Solar System history.

What does CV3 mean?

CV3 refers to a group of primitive carbonaceous chondrites preserving large chondrules and refractory inclusions with relatively limited alteration.

Did Allende contain organic material?

Yes. Like many carbonaceous chondrites, Allende contains primitive organic compounds and carbon-rich material.

Why do collectors seek Allende meteorites?

Collectors value Allende for its historic fall, scientific importance, visible CAIs, and distinctive primitive appearance.

Are complete Allende individuals rare?

Well-preserved complete individuals with fusion crust are considerably rarer than fragmented material and are highly desirable.