Enstatite chondrites · AustroMeteorites

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Detailed explanation

Enstatite chondrites formed under oxygen-poor, highly reducing conditions. This produced unusual sulphide minerals and much iron in metallic or sulphide form.

The principal EH and EL groups differ in factors including iron and metal abundance.

Groups: EH · EL

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Groups and subgroups

These cards show the next classification level. Linked groups open their own detailed explanation.

EH group

Enstatite chondrites with higher total iron and generally more metal than EL, dominated by highly reduced minerals.

EL group

Enstatite chondrites with lower total iron and metal/sulphide chemistry distinct from EH.

Related mineralogy, different history

Enstatite chondrites are primitive chondrites. Aubrites, by contrast, are igneous enstatite achondrites and record differentiated evolution.

Mineralogy under highly reducing conditions

Because little oxygen was available during formation, much iron resides in metal and sulphides rather than as oxidised iron in silicates. Unusual sulphides such as oldhamite and niningerite occur alongside enstatite.

This mineralogy makes enstatite chondrites important samples of oxygen-poor regions in the early inner Solar System. It does not make every specimen visually obvious.

EH and EL

EH denotes higher iron or metal abundance and EL lower abundance. Both families include petrologic types that describe the degree of thermal alteration.

Their isotopic composition shows interesting similarities to Earth. This does not mean they came directly from Earth or Mercury; their precise parent bodies remain under study.

Short & simple

The essentials in 30 seconds

Rare, highly reduced chondrites with enstatite-rich mineralogy.
Enstatite chondrites formed under oxygen-poor, highly reducing conditions. This produced unusual sulphide minerals and much iron in metallic or sulphide form.
The principal EH and EL groups differ in factors including iron and metal abundance.

Verifiable

Sources & databases

Editorially paraphrased and expanded from the linked specialist and primary sources; reviewed 24 August 2026. New classifications and database entries may require later updates.