514

Octahedrite Nantan Meteorite From Guangxi, China

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:100.00 USD Estimated At:300.00 - 400.00 USD
Octahedrite Nantan Meteorite From Guangxi, China
Featured in this lot is this Nantan meteorite from Nantan County, Guangxi, China. A collection of iron meteorites known as the Nantan meteorites were found in 1958 in Nantan County, Guangxi, China. They are categorized as octahedrite, which indicates that their main constituent is an iron-nickel alloy. In addition, they have a unique composition with comparatively high concentrations of iridium, gallium, and germanium, which can shed light on how the Solar System formed and developed. Iron was diligently sought after during China's big leap forward in expanding industries. The Nantan meteorite was discovered in 1958, and an attempt to melt it was conducted immediately. Fortunately, the high nickel content made this impossible, saving the meteorite. This meteorite shows high magnetic properties from the large amount of iron within its composition. It shows colors of black, brown and orange throughout the piece. The orange colors are rust spots from the rusting iron on the outside of the meteorite. The meteorite weighs 108 grams and measures 2 1/4" L x 1 13/16" W x 1 1/8" H.