description Richardton Overview
Richardton is an H5 ordinary chondrite that fell near Richardton, North Dakota, on June 30, 1918. The H classification indicates relatively high total iron, while petrologic type 5 shows that its constituent minerals were substantially equilibrated by thermal metamorphism on the parent asteroid. Recovered material has been used in laboratory studies of isotopes, volatile elements, mineral chemistry, and ordinary-chondrite alteration history.
help Richardton FAQ
What type of meteorite is Richardton?
Richardton is classified as an H5 ordinary chondrite, meaning it has relatively high total iron content (the H designation) and has been thermally metamorphosed to petrologic type 5. This classification indicates its minerals were substantially equilibrated by heating on its parent body.
When and where did the Richardton meteorite fall?
The Richardton meteorite fell near Richardton, North Dakota, on June 30, 1918. Multiple stones were recovered after the observed fall, making it one of the better-documented American meteorite falls of the early 20th century.
How much Richardton meteorite material exists in collections?
Several kilograms of Richardton material were recovered and distributed among museum and university collections worldwide. Because it is an observed fall with substantial recovered mass, it has been widely studied by meteoriticists.
What can Richardton tell us about the early solar system?
As an equilibrated ordinary chondrite, Richardton preserves evidence of thermal metamorphism on its parent asteroid, providing data on heating processes in the early solar system. Studies of its minerals and isotopes have contributed to understanding chondrite formation and parent-body geology.
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