Toluca Meteorite. Iron, IAB-sLL . Toluca Valley, Jiquipilco, Mexico State, Mexico - (19° 34'N, 99° 34'W). Found: 1...

Description

Toluca Meteorite
Iron, IAB-sLL
Toluca Valley, Jiquipilco, Mexico State, Mexico - (19° 34'N, 99° 34'W)
Found: 1776

Toluca represents a shower of iron meteorites found in Jiquipilco, Mexico, and people living nearby have used the material as a source of metal for tools for centuries. The find dates back to the conquistadores in 1776, with the coarse octahedrite fall likely having occurred over 10,000 years ago. Composed of an iron and nickel mix, the material will often contain troilite inclusions. Weighing 1,086 grams (2.4 pounds), an offering like this is rather sizable, but it is the provenance and historical labels that make this "mottled" specimen so special. The mass with light and dark patches of brownish color in a somewhat spotted and random pattern is hand-painted with an Oscar Monnig collection number "M8.31" and also comes with a vintage David New label who was one of the very first meteorite dealers and worked extensively with the Monnig Collection. This rustic piece will stand on its own without a base and has complex surfaces. In addition to the significance of the Monnig and New connections, Toluca also played a vital role in the modern-day study of meteorites as it was the primary destination for the first epic hunt of the seminal meteoriticist Harvey H. Nininger, who described the adventure in his autobiography Find A Falling Star. Sales and trades from Nininger finds, and purchases helped provide 'seed money' for his extraordinary career.
Measurements: 3.85 x 3.10 x 2.46 inches (9.77 x 7.87 x 6.24 cm), weighs 1,086 grams

Provenance: Ex. Oscar E. Monnig Collection #M8.31, The Geoff Notkin Collection

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