Gao-Guenie Meteorite Specimen Historic 1960 Observed Fall Official H5 Chondrite Burkina Faso

An authentic specimen of the historic Gao-Guenie meteorite, one of the most famous witnessed meteorite falls from Africa and among the most widely studied ordinary chondrite showers in meteoritics history. Officially classified as an H5 ordinary chondrite, Gao-Guenie fell in Burkina Faso on March 5, 1960, producing a large strewnfield and countless recovered stones over subsequent decades.

Originally, material from this fall circulated under two separate names:

• Gao (Upper Volta)
• Guenie

Later scientific study demonstrated the material originated from a single meteorite shower event, leading the Meteoritical Nomenclature Committee to officially combine the names into the collective designation Gao-Guenie.

Official Classification

• Name: Gao-Guenie
• Country: Burkina Faso
• Observed Fall: Yes
• Date Fell: March 5, 1960
• Classification: Ordinary Chondrite (H5)
• Meteorite Group: H Chondrite

Why Gao-Guenie Is Legendary Among Collectors

• Confirmed observed fall
• Large numbers of fresh stones recovered
• New stones continued to be found decades later
• Extensive scientific literature and classification history
• Many specimens display classic fusion crust and regmaglypts

Historic Recovery Notes

• Meteorite shower activity across Burkina Faso
• At least 16 stones initially recovered
• Stones up to 2.5 kg documented early after the fall
• Additional fresh finds continuing for decades afterward

Mineralogy

Scientific analysis identified:

• Olivine-bronzite chondrite structure
• Olivine compositions around Fa18–20
• Petrologic type H5 characteristics

Specimen Features

Depending on specimen type, Gao-Guenie material may display:

• Dark fusion crust
• Regmaglypts and atmospheric shaping
• Metal-rich chondritic interiors
• Brecciated textures
• Light gray stone matrix

Specimen Details

• Size: 41 × 31 × 11 mm
• Weight: 23.4 g
• Provenance: Ex: Black

Ideal For

• Observed fall collectors
• African meteorite collectors
• H chondrite collectors
• Planetary science collections
• Museum and educational displays
• Classic named meteorite collections

A genuine extraterrestrial artifact from one of the best-known historic African meteorite falls of the twentieth century.

Condition

Please review all photos carefully for overall condition, fusion crust, weathering, oxidation, fractures, and natural surface characteristics, as they are considered part of the description. Meteorites are natural extraterrestrial objects and commonly display natural structural variation, weathering, and atmospheric entry features.