The Aletai meteorite is a massive iron meteorite discovered in the Xinjiang region of northwestern China. Its story began in 1898 with the discovery of a 28-ton mass, but additional fragments recovered over the following century revealed something extraordinary. The meteorite’s pieces were scattered across approximately 430 kilometers (267 miles), forming the longest known meteorite strewn field on Earth. Scientists believe the asteroid entered Earth’s atmosphere at an unusually shallow angle, breaking apart and scattering enormous fragments across the landscape. Classified as an anomalous IIIE iron meteorite, Aletai originated from the metallic interior of an ancient asteroid more than 4.5 billion years ago. 

This 505.2 gram iron-nickel meteorite is a beautiful representation of what was once the core of a former planet or differentiated asteroid. This specimen has several incredibly rare features. Foremost is its oriented shield shape with rollover lipping. These features give some idea of how this iron flew through our atmosphere as it descended to Earth. You'll also find an odd inclusion, which I believe to be silicate material -- these are uncommon to find in this form in iron meteorites.

Aletai specimens are especially prized by collectors for their distinctive metallic composition, beautiful Widmanstätten patterns, and extraordinary discovery history, with massive fragments recovered across the longest known meteorite strewn field on Earth.

Official Meteoritical Bulletin Entry for Aletai: https://www.lpi.usra.edu/meteor/metbull.cfm?code=64400

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 meteorite pictured, a Certificate of Authenticity, a laser-etched placard, and a stand for display.

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.

--Oriented Meteorite--

Oriented meteorites are space rocks that maintained a stable flight position as they passed through Earth’s atmosphere, resulting in a distinct aerodynamic shape. Their surfaces often display features like a smooth, shield-like front, flow lines, and a heat-shielded ablation pattern caused by intense atmospheric heating. These meteorites are rare and highly prized by collectors due to their unique formation process and visually striking appearance.

--Rollover Lip--

A raised, curved edge of melted material that forms along the leading edge of a meteorite as it travels through Earth’s atmosphere. This feature develops when molten material, created by intense frictional heating, is pushed backward and solidifies along the edge due to aerodynamic forces. Rollover lips are commonly seen on oriented meteorites, which maintain a stable flight position, allowing for asymmetrical ablation and fusion crust formation.