Canyon Diablo meteorites are iron meteorites best known for their dramatic connection to Arizona’s Barringer Meteor Crater, also called Meteor Crater, which formed about 50,000 years ago when a large nickel-iron asteroid slammed into Earth. These meteorites belong to the IAB complex, a group of irons that formed early in solar system history when molten metal separated inside small, partially melted asteroids rather than fully differentiated planetary bodies. Because they are directly tied to one of Earth’s best-preserved impact sites and were among the first meteorites studied to confirm that large craters could form from extraterrestrial impacts, Canyon Diablo specimens hold both scientific and historical importance in understanding impact processes and the early evolution of asteroidal metal bodies.

This meteorite is a 185 gram individual iron from the famous Meteorite Crater in Arizona. This is a rare offering, as this stone was recovered in 1942 and retains its natural patina with terrestrial calche. Most Canyon Diablo meteorites you find now have been taken back down to bare metal, and you won't find too many with natural patina like this; a look you cannot recreate or find elsewhere! 

Official Meteoritical Bulletin Entry for Canyon Diablo: https://www.lpi.usra.edu/meteor/metbull.cfm?code=5257.  

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, a display stand, 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.

--Natural Patina--

Patina on iron meteorites is a natural surface layer that forms when the metal slowly reacts with Earth’s environment. It often appears as brown, tan, or darkened coloration and can help protect the meteorite from further corrosion. Stable patina is usually considered a desirable feature because it reflects the meteorite’s time on Earth and preserves evidence of its natural history.

--Caliche--

A natural, chalky white or tan mineral deposit made mostly of calcium carbonate that forms in dry desert environments. On iron meteorites, caliche can build up when minerals from soil and groundwater slowly coat the surface during long periods of burial. While it can hide surface details, caliche is often considered part of a meteorite’s natural terrestrial history and can sometimes help indicate the environment where the meteorite was found.