Ordinary chondrites · AustroMeteorites

Schematic example illustration for the knowledge article “Ordinary chondrites” — **Original topic-specific example image**Digitally created schematic illustration — not a product photograph or a substitute for an examined specimen.

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Detailed explanation

The letters refer to total iron and metal abundance. H chondrites have more iron and metal, L have less, and LL have the least metal with more oxidised iron in silicates.

A designation such as H5 or LL3 combines chemical group and petrologic type.

Groups: H · L · LL

Placed in context

Groups and subgroups

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

H group

High iron: the greatest total and metallic iron abundance among the three ordinary-chondrite groups.

L group

Low iron: less total and metallic iron than H chondrites; a very common group among observed falls.

LL group

Low total iron, low metal: especially little metallic iron and more iron-rich olivine than H and L.

Reading H, L and LL

The groups are not quality grades. They identify different compositions and parent-body histories. Shock and weathering grades are recorded separately.

Why they are called ordinary

“Ordinary” means common here, not uninteresting. Ordinary chondrites account for the largest share of observed meteorite falls and are therefore central to research, teaching and introductory collections.

Many probably originate from several asteroid families in the inner main belt. H, L and LL chondrites are distinct chemical groups with different parent-body histories.

What a cut surface can reveal

Fresh cut surfaces may reveal chondrules, bright metal flecks and darker sulphides. At higher petrologic types, thermal recrystallisation often makes chondrule boundaries less distinct.

H chondrites generally contain the most metal and LL chondrites the least. Magnetism or visible metal alone still cannot determine the group.

Short & simple

The essentials in 30 seconds

The most common chondrite family, divided into H, L and LL groups.
The letters refer to total iron and metal abundance. H chondrites have more iron and metal, L have less, and LL have the least metal with more oxidised iron in silicates.
A designation such as H5 or LL3 combines chemical group and petrologic type.

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.