Aletai Iron Meteorite Slice (IIIE-an, Om)

Name: Aletai Iron Meteorite Slice (IIIE-an, Om)
Brand: The Collector
Availability: LimitedAvailability

Etched slice of Aletai iron meteorite showing Widmanstätten pattern and troilite inclusion with ID plaque. - view 1

1/3

Estimated value

$100 - $250

Rarity

Average(4/10)

ALETAI IRON METEORITE SLICE (IIIE-AN, OM): IDENTIFICATION

An etched, part-slice of the Aletai iron meteorite, exhibiting a distinct Widmanstätten pattern typical of octahedrites. This specimen features an irregular natural edge along one side and a straight, cut edge on the opposing side. Notably, there is a prominent, roughly rectangular troilite (iron sulfide) inclusion near the center of the etched face. It is accompanied by a modern identification plaque detailing its classification (Iron, IIIE-an, Om), origin (Xinjiang, China), find year (1898), and Total Known Weight (TKW: > 50 t).

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PRODUCTION PERIOD

The Aletai meteoritic event produced a massive shower of iron meteorites over what is now the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in China. Although the first documented find, "Armanty," occurred in 1898, subsequent discoveries over the following century—including massive masses like "Akebulake" and "Wuxilikela"—were eventually linked through compositional analysis to the same parent body, leading to the collective designation 'Aletai'. Classified as an anomalous IIIE iron (IIIE-an), it is distinguished by specific trace element ratios and an anomalous medium octahedrite structure.

SCARCITY

Average55-70%

CommonLegendary

Typical antique shop fare. Requires some searching but regularly available. This is where most genuine antiques fall.

Rarity 4/10. Curiosa currently catalogues 1 science item at rarity 4 or higher.

Typical Characteristics

Standard antique shop items
Regularly available
Moderate collector interest

Confidence Factors

The Widmanstätten pattern is an unmistakable diagnostic feature of octahedral iron meteorites, formed by extremely slow cooling in space, and cannot be perfectly replicated by modern artificial means.
The presence of characteristic inclusions, such as the prominent troilite nodule, further secures the identification.
The Aletai material is abundant on the current market, reducing the financial incentive for sophisticated forgery of this specific type.

How does authenticity detection work?

INSTRUMENT SPECIALIST'S TAKE

Dr. Aris Thorne

History of Science Curator & Meteoriticist

The visual evidence of the distinct Widmanstätten pattern, which is practically impossible to artificially replicate with this clarity, combined with the matching identification plaque, provides near certainty regarding the object's identity as an etched iron meteorite, almost certainly the abundant Aletai.

KEY EVIDENCE

1Visible Widmanstätten pattern confirming octahedral iron structure.
2Presence of a significant troilite (iron sulfide) inclusion.
3Accompanying identification plaque correlating visual evidence with the Aletai classification (IIIE-an, Om).
4Natural, oxidized crust visible on the uncut edge.

WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY

→Verify the mass of the slice to confirm density aligns with typical iron meteorites (roughly 7.8 to 8.0 g/cm³).
→Monitor the troilite inclusion and edges for signs of 'weeping' or rapid oxidation, common in some iron meteorites if not stored in a strictly climate-controlled environment.

CONDITION & GRADE

Condition

The etched surface appears stable with minimal visible rust or aggressive oxidation, indicating adequate preparation and storage. The troilite inclusion appears intact without excessive crumbling. The presence of the identification plaque adds to its display readiness.

INSTRUMENT VALUATION

$100 - $250

Updated: May 11, 2026

Who buys this

Meteorite collectors, science educators, and individuals interested in space exploration and planetary science.

What increases value

•Clarity and aesthetic appeal of the etched Widmanstätten pattern.
•The presence of interesting inclusions like troilite or schreibersite.
•Overall size and weight of the slice.

What lowers value

•Rusting or oxidation ('meteorite disease') due to improper preparation or exposure to humidity.
•Aletai is currently highly available on the market, which keeps prices per gram relatively low compared to rarer falls.