Small Wabar iron meteorite, from the famed Wabar crater field in Saudi Arabia. The complete individual weighs 12 grams and measures approximately 23 mm x 15 mm x 9 mm. The Wabar crater field in the Empty Quarter of Saudi Arabia is one of the most elusive and mysterious impact sites on Earth. The world’s only known sand craters of significant size were formed by the impact of a IIIAB iron meteorite weighing many tons. It has a possible fall date of 1863, although some estimates put the age in the thousands of years. The site has always been nearly inaccessible and has only been visited a few times in history. Shifting sands have slowly filled in the craters over time and they are, today, almost obliterated. First discovered in 1932, differing reports place the number of craters between three and five. Pieces of the actual crater-forming meteorite are so uncommon as to almost be a thing of legend. This exceedingly rare specimen came from the collection of the son of an oil company geologist who worked in the empty quarter and personally collected it in 1951. Travel in the region is now so hazardous—and as the craters continue to experience in-filling—it is extremely unusual to see an example of the Wabar iron for sale. 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.
