Sikhote Alin Meteorite - Authentic 1947 Iron Meteorite Specimen

A Sikhote Alin Meteorite From the Fall of 1947

This Sikhote Alin meteorite is a genuine piece of an iron that fell in 1947. It sits in an acrylic jar inside a glass-topped riker box.

Product Details

• Specimen: Sikhote Alin meteorite, 0.1 to 0.5 g
• Type: IIAB iron meteorite
• Fall: 1947 meteorite fall, February 12, Sikhote Alin Mountains
• Display: Acrylic jar in glass-topped riker box, 4.5 in x 3.5 in
• Includes: Information card that serves as the certificate of authenticity
• Note: Size and shape vary from specimen to specimen.

A Fireball Over Eastern Russia

On the morning of February 12, 1947, a fireball brighter than the Sun crossed the sky. Its blast was heard for nearly 200 miles.

The meteorite had a pre-atmospheric mass near 100,000 kg and left about 23,000 kg behind. It broke apart in an airburst, scattering fragments over a strewn field.

Regmaglypts and Shrapnel

Specimens come in two types. A Sikhote Alin regmaglypt shows a glossy fusion crust and thumbprint-like marks from the heat of entry.

Shrapnel pieces are sharp metal, unlike a smooth Sikhote Alin regmaglypt. See more space pieces in our Natural History Collection.

Display and Care

Keep the jar sealed and the case dry. Iron meteorites can rust, so avoid damp air.

About IIAB Irons

An IIAB iron meteorite is thought to come from the metal core of a broken asteroid. This 1947 meteorite fall brought pieces to Earth that you can hold.

For More Reading from the Web

• Check the Smithsonian's record of the 1947 Sikhote-Alin fall. Sikhote-Alin Meteorite - Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
• Read the supplier's page on this specimen. Sikhote Alin Meteorite - Mini Museum