Moldavite is a translucent green stone which may be the only known gem from space. Moldavite is found in what is now the Czech Republic. It is thought to have fallen from space about 14.8 million years ago. 

Scientists group moldavite with the mysterious glassy objects called tektites. There is debate in the scientific community about the origin of tektites. 

Moldavite is very rare. By the year 1987, it was estimated that the total amount collected was only about a ton. 

25,000 years ago, early humans prized moldavite for tools and amulets. Born of the stars, in legend moldavite is associated with the Holy Grail.

Tear drop shaped moldavite
     
Gibeon, 
Great Nama Land, Namibia 
nickel-iron-meteorite 
Fine Octahedrite 

This very beautiful and unusual meteorite was first found in 1836, although native inhabitants knew about it before then. Most specimens show flight markings and evidence of a violent atmospheric breakup. A beautiful fine octahedrite pattern when etched and is very resistant to rust because of the tight fitting crystals, lack of inclusions, and high nickel content. 
     Sikhote-Alin, 
Maritime Territory, Siberia 
Nickel-Iron Meteorite 
Coarsest Octahedrite (IIB) 

On February 12, 1947, people in eastern Siberia witnessed the largest single meteorite fall. Over 23 tons of material showered the area. This meteorite displays regmaglypts, thumbprint-like depressions, and has ragged, twisted and distorted surfaces. This occurred because the meteorite broke up at a rather low altitude and was not subjected to the intense ablation that would have smoothed its surface.
     Imilac, 
Atacama Desert, Atacama, Chile 
stoney-iron meteorite
Pallasite (PAL) 

This exquisite pallasite, with its beautiful large lime green olivine crystals, was first found in 1822, in a valley southwest of Imilac, Chile. 
The olivine crystals are imbedded in a nickel-iron matrix, which is believed to be formed during the formation of a planet. This meteorite is a favorite with jewelers.
     Canyon Diablo, 
Meteor Crater Arizona USA 
nickel-iron-meteorite 
Coarse Octahedrite 

Canyon Diablo is one of most famous meteorites of all. It fell in Arizona about 30 thousand years ago leaving a crater 4,000 feet across and 600 feet deep. Upon impact, the meteorite is believed to have vaporized and fragments were thrust as far away as 11 miles.
Although the composition is 90 % iron and 10 % nickel, traces of platinum and black diamonds have been found in these specimens.
     Odessa, 
Ector County, Texas, USA
Nickel-Iron Meteorite Course Octahedrite (IA)

These meteorites were first found in 1922. A well-developed crater is located at the place of this fall. Many small pieces and iron hale were found on the crater rim. This material was analyzed as a course iron octahedrite. It contains silicate inclusions very similar to the Campo del Cielo and the Toluca meteorite falls.

     Nantan Meteorite

The fall was recorded as being 1516 A.D. in the Nantan County Archives. It was recorded: "Zhengde 11th year, summertime in May, stars fell down from the northwest direction, 5 or 6 fold long, waving like snakes and dragons, bright like lightening: then they disappeared in seconds."

Locality: Lihu Town and the Landon and the Baya Area. It was distributed in a northwesterly direction over an area of 27-28 kilometers (26.8-27.4 miles) long and 8 kilometers (5 miles) wide. The Dong and Yoa nationalities, two of the 55 ethnic minorities in China, inhabit the area.

First Find: China needed lots of steel for constructing "New China." Everyone was told to find iron. During this time even cooking Woks were melted to produce steel. Meanwhile, the people of Nantan County China felt lucky to find such heavy rocks so heavy with iron. Unfortunately, the "Iron Rocks" would not melt. This puzzled people, causing then to send a report to the Chinese Central Government. Geologists arrived to inspect the rocks and discovered that they were iron meteoroids.

Dave's Down to Earth Rock Shop and
The Prehistoric Life Museum
704 Main Street
Evanston, IL 60202
phone: 847  866 - 7374
fax: 847  866 - 6854

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