Gao-Guenie

Ordinary chondrite, H5
Witnessed fall in Burkina Faso, March 5, 1960

A large number of meteorites fell about 1700 hours on March 5, 1960 over the African nations of Burkina Faso (previously the Republic or Upper Volat) and the resulting thunderous sound was heard over 100 kilometers away! Many pieces were later found by farmers working in their fields.

Originally named Gao, its was later determined by scientists to be identical to another African meteorite, Guenie, and the two names were fused into one. Specimens show fusion crust and an attractive ochre-patina. Many also show classic features of orientation, including rollover lips.