2.9" L6 Chondrite Meteorite (324 g) - Hammadah al Hamra 346

The Hammadah al Hamra 346 Meteorite Fall - HaH 346

Hammadah al Hamra 346 (HaH 346) is a likely witnessed meteorite fall that was discovered 95 km southwest of Ash Shuwayrif, Libya. On August 26th, 2018 a large fireball lit up the sky in a sparsely populated region of the Jabal al Gharbi district of Libya. Over the following year about 500 kg of a freshly fallen L6 Chondrite meteorite was collected from the area which lies 95 km SW of Ash Shuwayrif, Libya.

This meteorite exhibits a matte black fusion crust lacking evidence of extensive wind abrasion. Given the lack of weathering these stones likely originated from the witnessed fall in 2018.

This meteorite is often sold under the name Ghadamis, even though the strewn field is over 300 km away from the city of Ghadamis, Libya.

Meteoritical Bulletin Entry: Hammadah al Hamra 346 Meteorite

About L6 Chondrite Meteorites

An L6 chondrite meteorite is a type of stony meteorite belonging to the ordinary chondrite group, the most common category of meteorites found on Earth. The "L" designation indicates that it has a relatively low total iron content, typically about 7-11%, with iron present in the form of metal grains and sulfides. The "6" refers to its petrologic type, which signifies the extent of thermal metamorphism it has undergone. As a type 6 meteorite, an L6 chondrite has been extensively heated, resulting in the complete recrystallization of its original components. This process has homogenized its mineral grains and largely obliterated the distinct chondrules (small, spherical mineral grains) that characterize less thermally altered chondrites.

L6 chondrites are composed primarily of silicate minerals like olivine and pyroxene, along with metal grains and sulfides. Their texture is relatively uniform due to the high degree of thermal metamorphism, giving them a more consistent appearance compared to less processed meteorites. Visually, they are often gray to brown in color and may display a smooth fusion crust, formed as the outer surface melted during their fiery entry into Earth's atmosphere.

The L chondrite group is thought to originate from a specific parent body in the asteroid belt that underwent a significant collisional event. This impact likely ejected vast amounts of L chondritic material into space, leading to the high prevalence of L chondrites discovered on Earth. It is believed this collision event happened approximately 470 million years ago.