Ghadames Meteorites (HaH 346)

Ghadames, officially classified as Hammadah al Hamra 346 (HaH 346), is a remarkably fresh L6 ordinary chondrite discovered in Libya after the spectacular 2018 fireball event. These meteorites are especially appreciated for their matte black fusion crust, aerodynamic shapes and well-developed regmaglypts. Some large individuals even preserve rare impact traces from the desert surface. Their exceptional freshness and strong atmospheric features make Ghadames one of the most attractive recent Sahara meteorites for collectors.

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Ghadames 12.86 kg Oriented Meteorite – HaH 346 from Libya

Available

Meteorites from witnessed falls

Ghadames (HaH 346) Oriented Meteorite – 12.86 kg Complete Individual

$24,900.00

This exceptional 12.86 kg Ghadames meteorite displays a spectacular oriented shape with elongated regmaglypts flowing across the front face toward the rim. Numerous pale limestone impact traces preserved on the fusion crust record the violence of the landing, while the flatter rear surface perfectly illustrates aerodynamic stability during atmospheric...

Ghadames Meteorites (HaH 346)

The meteorite known as Ghadames, officially classified as Hammadah al Hamra 346 (HaH 346), is one of the most remarkable recent ordinary chondrite discoveries from the Sahara. Recovered in Libya after a major fireball event observed in 2018, these meteorites are highly appreciated for their exceptional preservation, matte black fusion crust and spectacular aerodynamic shapes.

Many Ghadames individuals display clear atmospheric orientation features including elongated regmaglypts, shield-like leading faces and stable flight geometries rarely preserved so distinctly in ordinary chondrites. Some specimens even preserve pale impact traces from the limestone-rich desert ground where they landed.

Officially classified as an L6 ordinary chondrite, Ghadames belongs to one of the major ordinary chondrite groups studied in planetary science. These meteorites preserve material formed during the earliest stages of Solar System history more than 4.5 billion years ago.

Exceptional Freshness

Unlike many Sahara meteorites affected by long terrestrial exposure, Ghadames specimens are considered exceptionally fresh. Their dark fusion crust often remains remarkably well preserved with visible atmospheric textures and minimal weathering.

This freshness strongly supports the hypothesis that the stones may be linked to the spectacular fireball observed over Libya on August 26, 2018.

Oriented Shapes and Impact Features

Some of the finest Ghadames meteorites exhibit advanced orientation features created during stable atmospheric flight. Elongated regmaglypts, aerodynamic flow structures and shield-like morphologies reveal the intense ablation processes experienced during atmospheric entry.

Large individuals sometimes preserve pale limestone impact traces directly on the fusion crust, recording the violent collision between the meteorite and the desert surface at the moment of impact.

A Highly Collectible Modern Sahara Meteorite

The combination of freshness, aerodynamic shaping, preserved fusion crust and scientific importance makes Ghadames one of the most attractive modern ordinary chondrites available to collectors today.

Whether as complete individuals, oriented specimens or research material, Ghadames meteorites offer a remarkable opportunity to acquire authentic extraterrestrial material from a recent Sahara meteorite event.

About Ghadames (HaH 346)

Official Name: Hammadah al Hamra 346 (HaH 346)
Market Name: Ghadames
Classification: Ordinary Chondrite L6
Country: Libya
Year Found: 2019
Possible Fall: Linked to the August 26, 2018 fireball
Total Known Mass: More than 100 kg
Shock Stage: S5
Weathering Grade: W0

Main Characteristics

Fresh matte black fusion crust
Well-developed shallow regmaglypts
Frequent oriented individuals
Angular blocky shapes
Light grey interior matrix
Rare preserved impact traces

FAQ – Ghadames Meteorites

What is Ghadames?

Ghadames is the commercial name commonly used for the meteorite officially classified as Hammadah al Hamra 346 (HaH 346).

Was Ghadames a witnessed fall?

The meteorite is officially classified as a find, but scientific evidence strongly suggests it may be associated with the spectacular Libyan fireball observed on August 26, 2018.

Why are Ghadames meteorites considered very fresh?

Most specimens preserve matte black fusion crust with very limited terrestrial weathering and almost no wind abrasion.

What type of meteorite is Ghadames?

Ghadames is classified as an L6 ordinary chondrite with shock stage S5 and weathering grade W0.

Why are oriented Ghadames individuals desirable?

Oriented individuals preserve clear aerodynamic shapes and regmaglypts formed during stable atmospheric flight, making them especially aesthetic and scientifically interesting.