Lot 891
Extremely Large 49.5 Ppound Campo del Cielo Iron-Nickel Meteorite With Two Natural Holes. This 49.5 pound 13 x 9 x 4 inch iron-nickel meteorite is not only the heaviest complete meteorite that we have auctioned but also esthetically the most valuable with excellent shape, regmagylpts (thumb prints) and two natural holes. Natural holes form when the softer troilite (iron sulfide) melts during the meteorites fiery entry through the atmosphere. Troilite melts at a much lower temperature than the rest of the iron-nickel meteorite. Natural holes rarely occur in larger meteorites because they are too thick to completely melt through and such meteorites are in great demand by collectors. Know as Campo de Cielo (field of the sky), these meteorites fell from the sky over 4000 years ago in Gran Chaco Gualamba, Argentina and were written about 1576 by the Spanish governor who learned about them from the local Indians who believed that the iron stones fell from the sky. A large 60 ton meteorite known as Meson de Fiero (large table of iron) was sent back by ship to Spain and melted down. The best specimens of Campos such as this one are known as new Campos as they are found hoigher up in the mountains and have not been worn down by rusting from rain water. This esthetically sculpted meteorite possesses many regmaglypts as well as the all important holes with prominently show when the meteorite is stood up on its natural base for a dramatic display. If you only want to own one meteorite this spectacular specimen is it.
Add $75.00 for domestic shipping.
Estimated Value $3,000 - 4,000.
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| Realized $3,335 |
