Muonionalusta Meteorite
The Muonionalusta (Moo-neo-na-lusta) is a fine Octahedrite, type IVA iron meteorite which impacted in northern Scandinavia, west of the border between Sweden and Finland, about a million years ago. The Muonionalusta was found in 1906 near the village of Kitkiöjärvi. Many pieces have been found in a 25 x 15-kilometer (15.5 x 9.3 mile) strewn field area in the Pajala District of Norrbotten County, approximately 140 kilometers (87 miles) north of the Arctic Circle. The meteorite was first documented in 1910 by Professor A. G. Högbom, who named it "Muonionalusta", after a nearby place on the Muonio River.
The Muonionalusta is probably the oldest meteorite known to man. It impacted the Earth during the Quaternary period, about one million years ago. It is clearly part of the iron core or mantle of a planetoid, which scientists believe it may have formed over 4.5 Billion Years ago. It shattered into many pieces upon its fall on our planet. Since landing here this meteorite has experienced four ice ages. It was unearthed from a glacial moraine in the northern tundra.
The Muonionalusta meteorite is best described as a rather unstable, rust prone iron meteorite. It has beautiful etch patterns that resemble those of the Gibeon meteorite. Unfortunately this means that buyers must beware of sellers trying to pass off the unstable Muonionalusta as Gibeon which is renowned for its stability. We will occasionally sell specimens of Muonionalusta and generally recommend Muonionalusta to those that are experienced in iron meteorite preservation techniques.
Item # MML12137222
20g Muonionalusta Meteorite with 2 Sides Cut and Etched
20g Muonionalusta Meteorite with 2 Sides Cut and Etched A very interesting specimen of the Muonionalusta Meteorite. Two sides are cut and etched, showing the unique Widmanstatten Pattern. The back side is untouched natural exterior with structure and pattern lines easily seen.
measures 1.4 x 0.56 x 0.41 inches (36.5 x 14.4 x 10.5mm)