The Odessa meteorite is a historic American iron first discovered in 1922 near Odessa, Texas, where a rancher found unusually heavy metallic fragments scattered around a small impact crater. 

This individual is 1300 grams (2.86 lb), and features a rounded shape with regmaglypts and a quintessential meteoritic shape. 

About the Provenance

On the meteorite, you'll find the label "BDM1", signifying its place in the collection of the late Bruce Dod. Among Dod's notable achievements is his pioneering work on iron meteorites, relics of the solar system's earliest epochs. Through detailed examination, Dod decoded the complex histories encoded within these metallic specimens, revealing pivotal information about the conditions prevailing during the nascent stages of planetary formation. His findings have not only enriched our understanding of meteoritics but also provided critical data for refining models of solar system dynamics.

Today, Dod's contributions continue to resonate within the meteoritical community and beyond. His pioneering research and commitment to scientific inquiry serve as a beacon for future generations of researchers, illuminating pathways to deeper understanding of the universe. Dod's legacy underscores the profound connections between terrestrial and extraterrestrial realms, inviting exploration and discovery at the intersection of science and cosmic history.

About the Odessa Meteorite

Classified as a coarse octahedrite (IAB complex), Odessa is composed primarily of iron and nickel and reveals classic Widmanstätten patterns when cut and etched -- crystalline structures formed by extremely slow cooling inside the core of an ancient asteroid billions of years ago. Odessa is one of the most significant iron meteorite finds in the United States. Its combination of documented crater association, recognizable structure, and strong collector demand makes it a highly desirable and historically important addition to any serious meteorite collection.

Official Meteoritical Bulletin Entry for Odessa: https://www.lpi.usra.edu/meteor/metbull.cfm?code=17985 

This meteorite is not just a collectible; it’s an educational tool that brings the mystery and science of space directly into your hands.

Your purchase includes the exact stone pictured, a Certificate of Authenticity, and a lunar surprise 🌙

Unique Features of This Meteorite

Iron meteorites likely originate from the cores of differentiated planetesimals or protoplanets that formed early in the solar system’s history. These hefty space rocks are mostly made of iron and nickel. They're like cosmic cannonballs! When cut and polished, many show off a beautiful criss-cross pattern called the Widmanstätten pattern. Iron meteorites are prized by collectors for their striking appearance and durability.

--Regmaglypts--

Thumbprint-like indentations found on the surface of some meteorites. They form when the meteorite travels through Earth’s atmosphere, and melting and erosion caused by intense heat and pressure shape these grooves.