Allende CV3 Carbonaceous Chondrite – Complete Individual 164.50 g

Allende – One of the Most Studied Carbonaceous Chondrites Ever Recovered

The Allende meteorite is among the most famous and scientifically significant meteorites in the history of planetary science. This CV3 carbonaceous chondrite fell over Chihuahua, Mexico, on February 8, 1969, producing one of the largest and most important witnessed meteorite falls ever documented.

Since its recovery, Allende has become a cornerstone of cosmochemical research due to its exceptional preservation of primitive Solar System material dating back more than 4.5 billion years.

Complete Individual with Fusion Crust and Exposed Matrix

This 164.50 g specimen preserves a large portion of the original black fusion crust characteristic of the Allende fall, contrasting beautifully with the exposed interior matrix visible on the fractured surface created during atmospheric fragmentation or impact.

The exposed matrix reveals the primitive internal structure typical of CV3 carbonaceous chondrites, including fine-grained dark material containing primitive Solar System components.

The coexistence of preserved fusion crust and visible interior provides both scientific and aesthetic interest, allowing direct observation of the meteorite’s external atmospheric surface and primitive internal composition within the same specimen.

Exceptional Large Protruding Chondrule

One of the most remarkable features of this specimen is the presence of an unusually large protruding chondrule emerging prominently from the matrix near the edge of the fractured surface.

This chondrule stands in relief from the surrounding matrix and represents an exceptional visual feature rarely observed so clearly on complete Allende individuals.

Primitive chondrules such as this formed during the earliest stages of Solar System history and constitute some of the fundamental building blocks from which planets eventually accreted.

The large size and strong visibility of this protruding chondrule give the specimen additional scientific and display value.

A Historic CV3 Carbonaceous Chondrite

Allende belongs to the CV3 group of carbonaceous chondrites, primitive meteorites preserving early Solar System material with limited alteration compared to many other carbonaceous groups.

Allende specimens commonly contain:

• Primitive chondrules
• Calcium-aluminum-rich inclusions (CAIs)
• Dark carbonaceous matrix
• Metallic grains
• Refractory minerals
• Primitive nebular material

The meteorite became especially important because it contains some of the oldest known Solar System solids ever identified.

Scientific Importance

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

Research conducted on Allende includes:

• Solar System chronology
• CAI formation studies
• Primitive nebular evolution
• Presolar grain analysis
• Organic chemistry investigations
• Isotopic studies

Allende remains one of the primary reference meteorites used in cosmochemistry and planetary formation research.

Collector Interest

Collectors highly value complete Allende individuals preserving fusion crust and visible primitive structures.

This specimen is especially desirable because it combines:

• Historic witnessed fall status
• Preserved fusion crust
• Visible primitive matrix
• Exceptional protruding chondrule
• Strong scientific significance
• Display-quality aesthetics

The prominent chondrule emerging from the fractured surface gives the specimen a highly distinctive appearance rarely encountered among Allende individuals.

Condition

Complete individual preserving extensive original fusion crust together with a fractured surface exposing the primitive matrix and an exceptionally large protruding chondrule.

An important museum-grade specimen from one of the most scientifically significant carbonaceous chondrites ever discovered.