Altai Iron Meteorite Slice (Widmanstätten Pattern)

Name: Altai Iron Meteorite Slice (Widmanstätten Pattern)
Brand: The Collector
Availability: LimitedAvailability

Polished and etched iron meteorite slice from Altai, China, showing prominent Widmanstätten patterns. - view 1

1/3

Uncommon (5/10)

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QUICK FACTS

DESCRIPTION

A polished and etched slice of an iron meteorite, specifically from the Altai meteor shower. The surface clearly exhibits geometric patterns known as Widmanstätten figures, which are characteristic of iron-nickel meteorites, formed by the intergrowth of kamaçite and taenite crystals that develop during extremely slow cooling in space. The slice has an irregular, natural form on its edges, consistent with being cut from a larger meteoritic mass.

CULTURAL ECHOES

Where This Object Echoes

Scientific Collecting19th century to present

Meteorites are highly prized by scientific institutions and private collectors for their insights into cosmic processes and the early solar system.

Mysticism/SpiritualismAncient to modern

Throughout history, meteorites have often been seen as objects of divine origin or spiritual significance due to their arrival from the heavens.

Ritual & Ceremonial Use

•No specific rituals, but often used in educational displays and scientific studies to illustrate astrophysics and geology.
•Collecting and displaying meteoritic material for appreciation of natural phenomena and scientific curiosity.

Meaning Through Time

Pre-scientific understanding

Often revered as sacred stones from the gods, associated with divine power or omens.

18th-19th Century (Beginnings of Modern Science)

Initially met with skepticism by the scientific community, gradually accepted as extraterrestrial material after significant evidence.

20th Century to Present

Valued primarily for their scientific data regarding the formation and composition of planets and the early solar nebula; also appreciated as geological and astronomical curiosities.

HISTORICAL STORY

Meteorites are extraterrestrial objects that have survived their passage through Earth's atmosphere and impacted the surface. Iron meteorites, primarily composed of iron and nickel, represent core material from early planetary bodies. The Altai meteorite, classified as a Group IIIE-an iron ...

DID YOU KNOW?

The Widmanstätten pattern visible on iron meteorites can only form in environments that cool at rates of a few degrees Celsius per million years, a process unique to the interiors of planetary bodies in space.

The Altai meteorite is one of the largest known iron meteorites, with a total known weight (TKW) exceeding 50 tons, making it a significant source for scientific study and collection.

MATERIAL & CONDITION

Surface

The surface is metallic and highly polished, displaying a distinct, intricate etched pattern of intersecting lines (Widmanstätten patterns). It has a somewhat reflective, silver-grey appearance, with some rougher, unpolished edges.

Weight & Feel

Given its metallic composition and apparent size, it would be quite dense and substantial, feeling heavy for its volume.

Condition

The meteorite slice appears to be in excellent condition, with a well-preserved polished and etched surface showing the crystalline structure clearly. There are no visible signs of significant damage, corrosion, or pitting, indicating careful preparation and storage.

RARITY ANALYSIS

Uncommon70-80%

CommonLegendary

Genuine antiques with fewer examples on the market. Named makers, documented provenance, or early production examples.

Typical Characteristics

Limited production
Named makers
Growing collector demand

ESTIMATED VALUE

$150 - $500

Updated: Jan 11, 2026

Market comparables from auctions & retail
Condition, completeness & craftsmanship
Current collector demand & trends
Low = quick sale, High = patient seller

For informational purposes only—not a formal appraisal.

CONTEXT ANALYSIS

How your provided context compares with Curiosa.com scanner findings.

What Aligned

User believes item is original/authentic - the visual evidence of the Widmanstätten pattern strongly supports this as a genuine iron meteorite slice.
User specified origin as China - the label explicitly states 'Xinjiang, China' for the find location, directly aligning with this information.