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Loading contentThe most primitive chondrites, rich in carbon, water, and organic compounds.
Dark, primitive chondrites carrying carbon, water-bearing minerals, and complex organics — the closest samples we have to the raw ingredients of the Solar System, and to what asteroids like Bennu and Ryugu are made of.
6 modelled meteorites.
A CM2 carbonaceous chondrite that fell in 2019, rapidly recovered and rich in organic compounds — sometimes called a 'second Murchison'.
The largest carbonaceous chondrite found on Earth, which fell in 1969 and became the most-studied meteorite in history — its calcium–aluminium inclusions are among the oldest solid material in the Solar System.
A carbonaceous chondrite that fell in 1969 and was found to contain a rich suite of amino acids and other organic compounds — key evidence that the building blocks of life exist in space.
A rare, extremely primitive CI carbonaceous chondrite whose composition closely matches that of the Sun — a benchmark for the bulk composition of the Solar System.
An exceptionally pristine carbonaceous meteorite recovered frozen from a lake in 2000, preserving organic material with minimal terrestrial contamination.
A carbonaceous chondrite whose 2021 fall was captured by camera networks, allowing its orbit to be traced and the sample to be recovered within days — one of the most pristine falls ever studied.
Facts on this topic will be cited from these primary and reference sources.
Mission data, planetary science, space telescopes, and public-domain imagery.
Most NASA-produced imagery is in the public domain; individual items are checked for usage terms before publication.