Carbonaceous Chondrite

Carbonaceous chondrites represent the most primitive rock samples of our solar system. This rare (less than 5% of all meteorite falls) class of meteorites are a time capsule from the earliest days in the formation of our solar system. They are divided into the following compositional groups that, other than CH (High Metal) and C-UNG (Ungrouped), are named after the first or most prominent meteorite of that type: CB (Bencubbin), CI (Ivuna), CK (Karoonda),CM (Mighei), CO (Ornans), CR (Renazzo) and CV (Vigarano). CI and CM meteorites (and comets) are rich in organic compounds and water that, as precursors to life, played a critical role in the development of life on Earth. The term “carbonaceous” is a misnomer in that they contain relatively little carbon.... Expand


Some or all content above used with permission from J. H. Wittke.


 

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