Gorgeous Camp del Cielo iron meteorite end slice, found in Argentina circa 2000. The etched end cut weighs 1,597 grams and measures approximately 115 mm x 65 mm x 42 mm. 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 striking example, Campo del Cielo, was found in South America circa 2000. The mass has been expertly cut in a lab, and using a diamond-tipped saw, then carefully polished and etched to reveal its marvelous crystalline structure, composed of two nickel-iron alloys. Known as the Widmanstätten pattern, this feature is unique to meteorites. Comprised of about 93% iron and 7% nickel plus trace elements, Campo del Cielo was first discovered in 1576, making it one of Earth's oldest-known meteorites. Analysis of the fall site suggests that its terrestrial age (when it landed on our planet) is much older—an estimated 5,600 years. Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity signed by Geoff Notkin of Aerolite Meteorites Inc. and the TV show Meteorite Men, as well as a specimen identification card.
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