Description
Rare Genuine Chelyabinsk LL5 Meteorite from the Historic Russian Fall of 2013
This rare genuine Chelyabinsk LL5 Meteorite is an authentic extraterrestrial specimen from the world-famous witnessed meteorite fall over Chelyabinsk, Russia on 15 February 2013. Weighing 13.08 grams, this substantial meteorite fragment represents one of the most significant modern meteorite events ever recorded and preserves primitive asteroid material formed during the earliest stages of the solar system over 4.5 billion years ago.
The exact meteorite shown in the photographs is the specimen you will receive. This carefully selected space rock includes a fully hand-signed Premium Certificate of Authenticity confirming the meteorite is completely genuine.
Please refer to the photographs for full sizing and scale.
About the Chelyabinsk Meteorite Event
The Chelyabinsk meteorite fall is regarded as the most extensively documented meteorite event in modern history. On the morning of 15 February 2013, a large meteoroid entered Earth’s atmosphere over the southern Ural region of Russia, producing an intensely bright fireball visible across hundreds of kilometres.
Travelling at tremendous speed, the meteoroid fragmented violently during atmospheric entry, creating a powerful airburst shockwave that shattered windows and damaged buildings across the Chelyabinsk region. The event was captured by countless dashboard cameras, security systems, mobile phones, and satellites, making it one of the best-recorded atmospheric impact events ever observed.
Thousands of meteorite fragments were later recovered from the extensive strewn field, including material recovered from the region surrounding Lake Chebarkul where larger masses impacted.
The combination of eyewitness reports, video evidence, scientific study, and rapid recovery has made Chelyabinsk one of the most important meteorites in modern planetary science.
Meteorite Classification and Mineral Composition
Chelyabinsk is officially classified as an LL5 Ordinary Chondrite. The “LL” designation refers to low total iron and low metallic iron content relative to other ordinary chondrite groups, while the petrologic type 5 classification indicates the meteorite experienced moderate thermal metamorphism within its parent asteroid.
The meteorite is composed primarily of silicate minerals including olivine and pyroxene together with feldspathic material, sulphides, and scattered iron-nickel metallic grains. Chondrules, which are rounded silicate droplets formed in the primitive solar nebula, are partially preserved within the meteorite structure despite metamorphic alteration.
Chelyabinsk is especially notable for its mixture of light-coloured and shock-darkened lithologies. Intense impact processes within the parent asteroid produced extensive fracturing, melt veins, and dark shock features that create the meteorite’s distinctive appearance.
These shock features provide valuable scientific insight into asteroid collision processes occurring within the asteroid belt before the meteoroid eventually entered Earth-crossing orbit.
Geological and Cosmic Origin
The Chelyabinsk meteoroid originated within the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, where primitive rocky bodies formed during the earliest development of the solar system. At some stage in its history, the parent asteroid experienced major collision events that fractured and shocked portions of the rock.
Orbital interactions gradually altered the fragment’s trajectory until it eventually intersected Earth’s orbit in February 2013. During atmospheric entry, enormous pressure and thermal energy generated the spectacular fireball and explosive fragmentation observed across Russia.
Because the meteorite was recovered shortly after the fall, many Chelyabinsk specimens display exceptionally fresh preservation with limited terrestrial weathering compared to older meteorite finds.
Meteorites from documented witnessed falls are especially desirable because their recovery circumstances and historical context are scientifically well established.
Appearance and Natural Features
This Chelyabinsk meteorite specimen displays the classic appearance associated with fresh LL5 ordinary chondrites, including dark fusion crust remnants, fractured silicate matrix, shock-darkened zones, and natural extraterrestrial textures.
Depending on preservation and orientation, visible features may include impact melt veins, brecciated structures, metallic flecks, lighter silicate areas, and atmospheric fusion surfaces produced during entry through Earth’s atmosphere.
Natural colouration may range through charcoal grey, dark brown, black fusion crust, and lighter mineral-rich interior areas. Surface textures and fracture patterns formed during atmospheric breakup contribute directly to the individuality and authenticity of the specimen.
As a genuine meteorite from a globally witnessed fall, every fragment is completely unique in shape, structure, and preservation.
Exceptional Modern Witnessed Fall Meteorite
Chelyabinsk meteorites are among the most sought-after modern meteorites due to their historical importance, scientific value, and direct connection to one of the most dramatic atmospheric impact events ever recorded.
This specimen is ideal for:
- Meteorite and space rock collections
- Witnessed fall meteorite collections
- Planetary science displays
- Educational astronomy collections
- Museum-style natural history displays
- Impact event and asteroid collections
- Gifts for meteorite collectors and enthusiasts
- Rare extraterrestrial material collections
Its direct association with the famous 2013 Russian fireball event makes this a particularly collectable and historically significant meteorite specimen.
Genuine Extraterrestrial Specimen
This RARE Chelyabinsk LL5 Meteorite from the witnessed Russian fall of 2013 is a genuine carefully selected specimen chosen for its authenticity, historical significance, and display appeal.
The exact meteorite shown in the photographs is the specimen you will receive. Every meteorite supplied by us is 100% genuine and includes a fully hand-signed Premium Certificate of Authenticity, providing confidence in the authenticity and extraterrestrial origin of this remarkable modern witnessed fall meteorite.
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