Campo del Cielo - Handheld Meteorite - Authentic Argentine Iron Meteorite

A Handheld Campo del Cielo Meteorite From Argentina

This Campo del Cielo meteorite is a complete piece of iron from space. It is large enough to hold, weigh and turn in your hand.

Product Details

• Specimen: Complete handheld meteorite, unique in size and shape
• Type: IAB iron meteorite, main group
• Fall: Around 2500 BCE, Campo del Cielo crater field, northwest Argentina
• Box: Black padded jewelry box
• Includes: Information card and certificate of authenticity
• Note: Some pieces have loose metal fragments, which is normal for this type of fall.

A Field of Craters

The Campo del Cielo crater field lies between the Chaco and Santiago del Estero provinces. It holds at least 26 craters across a strip about 3 km by 20 km.

The largest crater measures 115 by 91 meters. More than 100 tonnes of iron have been recovered.

A Fall Remembered

Radiocarbon dating of charred trees puts the fall near 2500 BCE. Local oral histories describe fires that followed.

Indigenous peoples called the area Piguem Nonralta. Spanish colonists renamed it Campo del Cielo in 1576. See more space pieces in our Natural History Collection.

Display and Care

Keep the Campo del Cielo meteorite in its box. Iron meteorites can rust in damp air.

About IAB Irons

An IAB iron meteorite has a high iridium content that makes it easy to identify. It formed about 4.5 billion years ago with the solar system. A handheld meteorite like this makes a fine desk piece.

For More Reading from the Web

• Learn about the iron fall in Argentina. About the Campo del Cielo Fall - European Space Agency
• Read the supplier's page on this specimen. Handheld Iron Page - Mini Museum