Formation. Chondrules are believed to have formed by a rapid (flash) heating (within minutes or less) and melting of solid dust aggregates of approximately Solar composition under temperatures of about 1000 K. These temperatures are lower than those under which CAIs are thought to have formed.

What is chondrite made up of?

Chondrites are broadly ultramafic in composition, consisting largely of iron, magnesium, silicon, and oxygen. The most abundant constituents of chondrites are chondrules, which are igneous particles that crystallized rapidly in minutes to hours.

What are chondrites and chondrules?

Chondrites are stony meteorites. They're the most common and probably the most fascinating type of meteorite. ... Chondrules are only found in meteorites. They're over 4 billion years old -- older than the Earth and other planets.