An authentic specimen of the historic Chergach meteorite, an officially classified H5 ordinary chondrite from the dramatic 2007 observed fall in the Erg Chech region of Mali. Chergach quickly became one of the most important modern Saharan observed falls due to its exceptionally fresh condition, large strewnfield, and extensive scientific documentation.
The meteorite fell during daytime on July 2 or 3, 2007, when nomadic witnesses reported a massive smoke cloud followed by multiple detonations heard across a wide region of the Sahara Desert. Subsequent recovery efforts uncovered a vast strewnfield extending more than 20 kilometers across the Erg Chech region.
Official Classification
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Name: Chergach
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Country: Mali
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Year Fell: 2007
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Observed Fall: Yes
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Classification: Ordinary Chondrite (H5)
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Shock Stage: S3
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Weathering Grade: W0
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Total Known Weight: Approximately 100 kg
Why Chergach Is Especially Prized
- Confirmed modern observed fall
- Exceptionally fresh specimens (W0)
- Many stones retain strong fusion crust
- Some material exhibits impact melt breccia textures
- Large oriented and aesthetic stones recovered
- Extensive scientific analysis performed shortly after the fall
Scientific Reports Describe
- Fresh fusion-crusted stones ranging from 1.5 g to 17.8 kg
- Visible shock veins
- Metal-rich impact melt textures in some stones
- Chondritic clasts within black silicate melt matrix
- Very low weathering and exceptional preservation
Mineralogy
- Olivine Fa18.2
- Pyroxene Fs15.5 Wo1.2
- Ordinary chondrite H5 structure
- Localized impact melt breccia features
One of the most remarkable aspects of Chergach is the extensive cosmogenic radionuclide analysis performed shortly after recovery, confirming the freshness of the fall and distinguishing it from other Saharan meteorite finds.
Specimen Features
Depending on specimen type, Chergach material may display:
- Black fusion crust
- Regmaglypts and atmospheric sculpting
- Impact melt veins
- Brecciated textures
- Metal-rich matrix
- Oriented flight characteristics
Specimen Details
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Size: 31 × 25 × 19 mm
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Weight: 23.6 g
Ideal For
- Observed fall collectors
- Saharan meteorite collectors
- H chondrite enthusiasts
- Fusion-crusted meteorite collectors
- Planetary science collections
- Museum and educational displays
A remarkable extraterrestrial artifact from one of the best-documented modern meteorite falls of the Sahara Desert.
Condition
Please review all photos carefully for overall condition, fusion crust, weathering, impact melt features, fractures, and natural atmospheric characteristics, as they are considered part of the description. Meteorites are natural extraterrestrial objects and commonly display structural variation, fractures, and natural atmospheric entry textures.
