Chondrites, named after the spherical chondrules that formed in near zero gravity as the first solid bodies in our solar system’s earliest stages of development and which are the constituent parts of chondrite meteorites, are 4.55 billion years old – older than Earth itself.

Our framings are all assembled with expertly prepared and polished slices of this ancient material, which has between approximately 10 – 20% nickel/iron content inclusions. All other meteorites are composed of differentiated materials and are, therefore, younger than chondrites. All meteorites are absolutely the only thing a human being can own which is not from Earth. Chondrite meteorites, in particular, are the oldest objects of any kind on our planet.

The chondrite specimens we use for these beautiful framings are meteorites which have had a fairly long terrestrial life and, therefore, have subsequently been weathered significantly on their exteriors.  It is our opinion that fresh specimens (recovered, witnessed falls or finds with historic or scientific significance or perhaps a short terrestrial life) should be sliced as infrequently as possible.   Scientific study is one of few priorities which makes such cutting appropriate.  In weathered chondrite specimens, however, the interiors which we feature are beautifully preserved examples of the most ancient building blocks from the earliest stages of development in our solar system.

Hover your cursor above this image to see detail within the meteorite's matrix:

41.6 gram complete slice featuring spherical chondrules and free metal inclusions.