Description
Iron meteorites were once part of the molten core of an ancient asteroid and likely originated in a parent body within the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. This large example weighs 27.2 kg / 60 lbs and was found in South America during the 1980s. Scientifically, it is described as an “individual,” meaning it fell through Earth’s atmosphere as a complete mass, rather than breaking up into fragments. The oval, fingerprint-like depressions on its surface — known as “regmaglypts” — confirm this, as they were formed when the surface experienced uniform melting and ablation during its high-temperature flight. Comprised of about 93% iron and 7% nickel and trace elements, the exterior of this specimen has oxidized over time, giving it a reddish-bronze natural patina. Analysis of the fall site suggests the meteorite landed on Earth about 5,600 years ago, though its true age is likely in the billions of years. Most recovered meteorites are very small; examples of this size are extremely rare and comprise less than 1% of all known specimens.
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