For readers who want the full picture
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
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.
Sources & editorial note
Sources & databases
Editorially paraphrased prefill, reviewed 12 August 2026. The linked sources support further specialist verification.