C-type refers to a classification of asteroids that are rich in carbon and are among the most common types found in the Asteroid Belt. These asteroids are dark in appearance and contain a significant amount of water and organic compounds, making them of interest for studying the origins of life and the solar system. C-type asteroids are believed to be some of the oldest remnants from the early solar system, dating back over 4.5 billion years. Their composition provides valuable insights into the building blocks of planets and the conditions present during the formation of the Earth and other celestial bodies.