Campo Del Cielo Meteorites

Iron, Coarse Octahedrite (1A)

Though it fell to Earth more than 4000 years ago, this Meteorite was discovered in 1576 by a Spanish military expedition. Searching for a source of iron known to the natives of what is now Chaco province, Northern Argentina, the soldiers brought back samples from what they thought was an iron mine.

Scientists believe that - like other iron meteorites - the Campo del Cielo mass probably originated within the Asteroid Belt located between Mars and Jupiter, and probably formed around the same time as the earth: some 4.5 billion years ago.

Only about 5% of meteorites are iron, and the Campo del Cielo material is highly collectable. Striking specimens may be found in museums and private collections worldwide.

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