Valera Meteorite Slice "Cow Killer". Chondrite, L5. Trujillo, Venezuela - (9° 19' 0"N, 70° 37' 42"W). Witnessed Fa...

Description

South America

Valera Meteorite Slice "Cow Killer"
Chondrite, L5
Trujillo, Venezuela - (9° 19' 0"N, 70° 37' 42"W)
Witnessed Fall: October 15, 1972

While the fact that the Valera Meteorite represents a witnessed fall, which occurred in Venezuela in 1972, is rather impressive on its own, it is the fact that this L5 Chondrite is the only meteorite actually known to have KILLED - as the falling material, supported by affidavit, reportedly killed a cow. After a bright light and loud noise were witnessed near the El Tinajero farm on the evening of October 15, 1972, an apparent bovine death was discovered the next morning by a doctor who owned the farm and a guest who was visiting him. This splendid complete slice of the infamous "cow-killer" meteorite weighs 43.4 grams and features a cut and polished face with a variegated matrix replete with shiny metallic grains.
Measurements: 4.27 x 2.05 x 0.15 inches (10.85 x 5.20 x 0.38 cm), weighs 43.4 grams

Provenance: The Geoff Notkin Collection



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