Campo del Cielo Meteorite. Iron, IAB-MG. Chaco, Argentina. Found: 1576. ... (Total: 2 Items)

Description

Campo del Cielo Meteorite
Iron, IAB-MG
Chaco, Argentina
Found: 1576

Imposing and massive, this large iron meteorite originated from the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter and was recovered in Argentina. Nearly 4000 years after having collided with Earth, Campo del Cielo "Valley of the Sky" meteorites were first written about by 16th century Spanish explorers when their unearthly origins had yet to be understood. The first large meteorite to be displayed at the famed British Museum of Natural History was a Campo, and several large masses can today be found in the foremost museums throughout the world.

This specimen features fusion crust and regmaglypts (the burnt surface and thumb printing which are hallmark ablation features of the fiery descent and melting of a meteorite during its plunge through Earth's atmosphere). Such sought-after characteristics are typically obscured as a result of weathering after thousands of years. However, the fine preservation of the current specimen results from its fortuitous landing on an elevated section of the valley where it was less susceptible to incursions of ground water and other oxidants. Highly sculptural, this meteorite features two broad faces and a pronounced scoop at its base; it is draped in a natural patina ranging from pewter to platinum with charcoal accents. This impressive example is accompanied by a custom steel pedestal creating a very impactful display.
Measurments: 16 x 11.5 x 9.5 inches (40.64 x 29.21 x 24.13 cm), weighs 108.3 kilograms (238 pounds)

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