Native Iron - Meteorite var. Kamacite (1516 fall)

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This is a superb crystallized iron meteorite, generally described as meteoric iron when in specimens showing crystals. The pseudo-octahedral crystal is a brilliant silver-metallic color and has striking surface features amid a general octahedral structure. It contains 92.35% iron and 6.96% nickel, belonging to IIICD classification of Wasson et al (1980's). A very fine example with 111 grams mass, this is one of the better miniatures we have seen as a specimen collector. This particular specimen was purchased by dealer Herb Obodda when a particularly good group of these came to market in the early 2000s, and he had the chance to cherry pick some superb crystals from the generally massive or mushy material that came out. From the literature on Wikipedia: Nantan iron meteorites represent one of the rare witnessed iron meteorite falls in the world. The fall was vividly recorded (in Chinese records): ' During summertime in May of Jiajing 11th year, stars fell from the northwest direction, five to six fold long, waving like snakes and dragons. They were bright as lightning and disappeared in seconds.' These records show the meteorite to have fallen in the year 1516 AD. The fall site was not discovered until much later, in 1958.