Sikhote-Alin Meteorite Iron Nickel Meteorite 1947 Russia Impact Fall Specimen

Sikhote-Alin Meteorite – February 12th, 1947 Fall, Northeast of Vladivostok, Russia

This genuine Sikhote-Alin Meteorite specimen comes from one of the most famous meteorite falls ever recorded. On February 12th, 1947, a massive iron meteor entered Earth’s atmosphere over the Sikhote-Alin Mountains, northeast of Vladivostok, producing an enormous fireball visible for hundreds of miles. The resulting explosion scattered thousands of metallic fragments across the forested terrain. The specimen you receive comes from this historic fall, with the photograph showing a representative example. A 1 cm scale cube is included for accurate size reference. All of our Fossils and Meteorites are 100% Genuine Specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Historical Background of the Fall

At approximately 10:38 a.m. local time, eyewitnesses observed a brilliant blue-white streak followed by a powerful detonation. Shockwaves shattered windows, uprooted trees, and carved numerous craters in the ground. The main mass is estimated to have weighed over 100 tonnes before atmospheric breakup.

The Sikhote-Alin event remains:

• One of the largest witnessed meteorite falls in recorded history

• The best-documented iron fall globally

• A key case study for meteoritic atmospheric fragmentation

Its fragments are widely prized by collectors, researchers, and museums.

Meteorite Classification and Composition

Type of Meteorite

• Iron Meteorite, classified as IIAB coarse octahedrite

Composition

Typical Sikhote-Alin fragments consist of:

• Iron–nickel alloy (kamacite and taenite)

• Trace elements including cobalt, phosphorus, gallium, germanium, and iridium

• Characteristic Widmanstätten structures internally (visible when cut and etched)

As a natural space metal, this meteorite is a remnant of the core of a differentiated planetesimal formed over 4.5 billion years ago.

Morphological Features

Each Sikhote-Alin specimen displays distinctive characteristics depending on whether it originated from a shrapnel-like breakup or survived atmospheric shaping:

• Individual (aerodynamic) specimens

  • Rounded edges

  • Regmaglypts (“thumbprint” depressions)

  • Orientation flow lines

  • Smooth fusion crust

• Shrapnel (fragmentation) specimens

  • Angular, torn-metal structure

  • Sharp edges and splintered surfaces

  • Metallic sheen from internal crystalline iron

  • Distortion from explosive atmospheric breakup

Your specimen may exhibit one or more of these features, representing the violence of its cosmic descent.

Geological and Cosmic Significance

Sikhote-Alin meteorites are scientifically important because they offer insights into:

• Planetary core composition

• Asteroid belt formation and collisions

• Thermal and mechanical breakup processes in Earth’s atmosphere

• Metallic crystallisation patterns in extraterrestrial iron bodies

The IIAB group, to which Sikhote-Alin belongs, is known for its highly iron-rich composition and slow-cooling crystalline development deep within an ancient planetesimal.

Location and Discovery

The fall area lies within the Sikhote-Alin mountain range, a remote, forested region of Primorsky Krai, Russia. Recovery of fragments began almost immediately after the fall and continued for decades. Many pieces were found embedded deep in soil or shattered trees, demonstrating the immense force of impact.

Collector Grade and Display Appeal

This Sikhote-Alin meteorite fragment has been selected for:

• Excellent metallic preservation

• Strong structural features characteristic of the fall

• Natural patina developed since its recovery

• High density and weight typical of iron meteorites

• Compact size ideal for display or handling

Its extraterrestrial origin and dramatic history make it a standout addition to any meteorite or natural history collection.

Ideal for Collectors, Enthusiasts, Educators, and Display

This Sikhote-Alin Meteorite offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of cosmic history from one of the most spectacular meteorite falls ever witnessed. Its scientific significance, stunning metallic structure, and documented provenance make it perfect for collectors, museums, educators, or anyone fascinated by the origins of our solar system.