Gao Meteorite

The Historic Gao-Guenie Meteorite Fall

The Gao-Guenie meteorite is one of the most famous witnessed meteorite falls from West Africa and remains highly sought after by collectors and researchers worldwide.

The fall occurred on March 5, 1960, in what is now Burkina Faso, formerly known as Upper Volta. Numerous stones were recovered across a large strewn field near the villages of Gao and Guenie.

For many years, specimens from the fall circulated under two different names, “Gao” and “Guenie.” Later scientific studies demonstrated that these meteorites were in fact part of the same meteoritic event, leading the Meteoritical Bulletin to officially unify them under the collective name Gao-Guenie.

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Gao-Guenie Meteorite 1140 g – Large H5 Chondrite Individual from Burki

Gao-Guenie Meteorite 1140 g – Large H5 Chondrite Individual from Burki 2

Available

Gao Meteorite

Gao-Guenie Meteorite – 1140 g Complete Individual – Historic H5 Chondrite Fall

$1,710.00

A rare large 1140 g Gao-Guenie individual from the historic 1960 witnessed fall in Burkina Faso, featuring the characteristic desert patina associated with Gao meteorites, preserved fusion crust, and a natural fractured face revealing the interior structure of this classic H5 ordinary chondrite.

An H5 Ordinary Chondrite

Gao-Guenie is classified as an H5 ordinary chondrite.

The “H” designation refers to its relatively high iron content, while the petrologic type 5 indicates that the meteorite experienced substantial thermal metamorphism within its parent asteroid.

Despite this metamorphism, Gao-Guenie preserves the chondritic structure characteristic of primitive Solar System material formed more than 4.5 billion years ago.

Fresh Fusion Crust and Atmospheric Features

Because many specimens were recovered shortly after the fall, Gao-Guenie meteorites are often exceptionally fresh.

Collectors particularly appreciate the deep black fusion crust frequently preserved on complete individuals, as well as regmaglypts, flow lines, and atmospheric sculpting produced during passage through Earth’s atmosphere.

Some oriented individuals display especially attractive aerodynamic shapes with clearly visible flight features.

A Meteorite of Scientific Importance

As a witnessed fall with well-documented recovery circumstances, Gao-Guenie has been extensively studied by meteoriticists.

The meteorite contributed significantly to the understanding of ordinary chondrites and atmospheric entry processes.

Fresh recovered material also allows researchers to study relatively unaltered extraterrestrial minerals and metal phases.

Collecting Gao-Guenie Meteorites

Gao-Guenie remains a classic meteorite highly appreciated by collectors at all levels.

Complete individuals with preserved fusion crust are particularly desirable, especially specimens showing strong orientation or well-developed atmospheric textures.

Slices and end cuts reveal the characteristic internal matrix with metallic iron-nickel grains distributed throughout the stone.

Because of its historic witnessed fall, scientific significance, and excellent preservation, Gao-Guenie remains one of the great classic ordinary chondrites in meteorite collecting.

An H5 Ordinary Chondrite Gao-Guenie is classified as an H5 ordinary chondrite. The “H” designation refers to its relatively high iron content, while the petrologic type 5 indicates that the meteorite experienced substantial thermal metamorphism within its parent asteroid. Despite this metamorphism, Gao-Guenie preserves the chondritic structure characteristic of primitive Solar System material formed more than 4.5 billion years ago. Fresh Fusion Crust and Atmospheric Features Because many specimens were recovered shortly after the fall, Gao-Guenie meteorites are often exceptionally fresh. Collectors particularly appreciate the deep black fusion crust frequently preserved on complete individuals, as well as regmaglypts, flow lines, and atmospheric sculpting produced during passage through Earth’s atmosphere. Some oriented individuals display especially attractive aerodynamic shapes with clearly visible flight features. A Meteorite of Scientific Importance As a witnessed fall with well-documented recovery circumstances, Gao-Guenie has been extensively studied by meteoriticists. The meteorite contributed significantly to the understanding of ordinary chondrites and atmospheric entry processes. Fresh recovered material also allows researchers to study relatively unaltered extraterrestrial minerals and metal phases. Collecting Gao-Guenie Meteorites Gao-Guenie remains a classic meteorite highly appreciated by collectors at all levels. Complete individuals with preserved fusion crust are particularly desirable, especially specimens showing strong orientation or well-developed atmospheric textures. Slices and end cuts reveal the characteristic internal matrix with metallic iron-nickel grains distributed throughout the stone. Because of its historic witnessed fall, scientific significance, and excellent preservation, Gao-Guenie remains one of the great classic ordinary chondrites in meteorite collecting.

Official Name: Gao-Guenie
Synonyms: Gao, Guenie
Classification: Ordinary Chondrite (H5)
Fall Date: March 5, 1960
Country: Burkina Faso
Observed Fall: Yes
Known For: Fresh fusion crust, atmospheric features, historic witnessed fall
Collector Interest: Historic fall, complete individuals, oriented specimens

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gao-Guenie?

Gao-Guenie is a historic witnessed meteorite fall that occurred in Burkina Faso in 1960 and is officially classified as an H5 ordinary chondrite.

Why are there two names, Gao and Guenie?

For many years the meteorites were thought to come from two separate falls. Later studies demonstrated they belonged to the same meteoritic event, leading to the unified official name Gao-Guenie.

Why is Gao-Guenie popular among collectors?

Collectors appreciate Gao-Guenie for its fresh black fusion crust, atmospheric features, scientific importance, and historical significance as a witnessed fall.

Do Gao-Guenie meteorites contain metal?

Yes. Like many ordinary chondrites, Gao-Guenie contains metallic iron-nickel grains visible on cut surfaces.

Are complete Gao-Guenie individuals rare?

Well-preserved complete individuals with intact fusion crust and strong atmospheric sculpting are highly desirable and increasingly difficult to obtain.