Birth of the Solar System - Allende Meteorite

The Allende Meteorite and the Birth of the Solar System

The Allende meteorite landed on Earth in 1969, but its story begins at the birth of the Sun. This specimen holds authentic meteorite dust encased in resin with a glimmering shine.

Product Details

• Specimen: Allende meteorite dust in resin, with an artistic glitter pattern
• Origin: Fell in 1969, Chihuahua, Mexico
• Age: About 4.6 billion years old
• Meaning: Building blocks of the solar system, preserved in a carbonaceous chondrite

A Fall That Changed Science

The Allende fireball was seen on February 8, 1969, near Pueblito de Allende in Chihuahua, Mexico. More than two tonnes were recovered.

It is often called the best-studied meteorite in history.

Dust From the Early Solar System

About 4.6 billion years ago the solar system was a cloud of gas, dust and heat. Over time it gathered into asteroids, planets and the Sun.

Most of the original material was melted and reformed. Some pieces stayed untouched in carbonaceous chondrites like Allende. See more space-born pieces in our Natural History Collection.

About the Glitter

The glitter pattern is artistic. It stands for the formation of the solar system from dust and gas. The Allende meteorite dust itself is real.

About Chondrites

Chondrites are stony meteorites that never melted. Allende's oldest inclusions are about 4.567 billion years old, among the oldest solids formed in the solar system. This birth of the solar system keepsake lets you hold that age.

For More Reading from the Web

• Read the full story of the Allende fall, its class and its oldest inclusions. Allende Fall and Class - Wikipedia
• See our supplier's meteorite collection. Meteorites - Mini Museum