Cape York Meteorite

Cape York is one of the most historic iron meteorites ever recovered. Known for its great masses, its connection to Inuit use of meteoritic iron, and its place in the history of meteoritics, Cape York is also highly valued for its beautifully etched metallic structure and, in some specimens, striking troilite inclusions. The slices presented here unite historical importance, scientific relevance, and strong collector appeal. They are selected for their display quality, structural readability, and collector interest. Depending on the individual slice, notable features may include large etched surfaces, clearly revealed Widmanstätten structures, and characteristic troilite inclusions.

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Cape York Meteorite Slice 1110 g | Widmanstätten Pattern and Troilites

Cape York Meteorite Slice 1110 g | Widmanstätten Pattern and Troilites 2

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Cape York Meteorite Slice with Widmanstätten Structure and Troilites – 1110 g

$8,900.00

A substantial Cape York meteorite slice weighing 1110 g and measuring 195 × 155 mm for only 5 mm thickness, distinguished by clearly revealed Widmanstätten structures and characteristic troilite inclusions. A refined and highly readable display specimen.

Cape York Meteorite Slice 1133 g | Thick Slice Widmanstätten Pattern

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Cape York Meteorite

Cape York Meteorite Slice with Widmanstätten Structure and Troilite – 1133 g

$5,800.00

A substantial Cape York meteorite slice weighing 1133 g and measuring 125 × 82 mm (thickness 14 mm), distinguished by a strong etched Widmanstätten pattern and a clearly visible troilite inclusion. A compact and powerful specimen with real depth and cabinet presence.

Cape York Meteorite Block 1277 g | Self-Standing Iron Meteorite

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Cape York Meteorite

Cape York Meteorite Block with Large Troilite Inclusion – 1277 g

$6,600.00

A substantial Cape York meteorite block weighing 1277 g and measuring 132 × 105 mm with a thickness of 12 mm, distinguished by a broad etched metallic structure and a large, visually commanding troilite inclusion. Thanks to its proportions and thickness, this specimen stands on its own and presents as a true display block rather than a simple flat slice.

Cape York Meteorite Block 1240 g | Self-Standing Iron Meteorite

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Cape York Meteorite

Cape York Meteorite Block – Self-Standing Iron Specimen – 1240 g

$6,400.00

A compact and well-balanced Cape York meteorite block weighing 1240 g and measuring 116 × 105 mm with a thickness of 14 mm. Its proportions allow it to stand on its own, offering a strong and autonomous display presence combined with a clearly revealed etched iron structure.

Cape York AGPALILIK In front of Agpalilik in Copenhagen, I could not resist a collector’s thought: how large would the next Cape York slice be if one more cut were ever made?

What Is the Cape York Meteorite?

Cape York is one of the great historic names in meteoritics. Recovered in Greenland, this iron meteorite became internationally famous not only because of its enormous masses, but also because of the long human history associated with it. Today, Cape York remains one of the most respected and recognizable iron meteorites in the world, appreciated by museums, institutions, and advanced collectors alike.

As an iron meteorite, Cape York is valued for the visual strength of its polished and etched slices, which reveal its internal metallic architecture. Certain specimens also display troilite inclusions that add further mineralogical and aesthetic interest.

A Meteorite Known Long Before Modern Science

Long before Cape York entered scientific collections, its iron masses were known to the Inuit of Greenland. Meteoritic iron was of exceptional practical value in a region where workable metal was otherwise unavailable, and material from Cape York was used historically for tools and implements. This gives Cape York a rare human dimension that very few meteorites can claim with equal force.

Because of this, Cape York is not only a meteorite of scientific significance, but also one of cultural and historical importance.

Artifacts made from this meteorite such as knives, axes, spear heads and harpoons have been recovered from archeological sites in Greenland and North America. Knives of iron with bone handles were given to Capt. John Ross in 1818 by the Esquimos of Prince Regent's Bay, John Ross, Voyage of Discovery in Baffin's Bay, London, 1819, p.102-118.

> Picture above, Inuit spear with an inserted fragment of the Cape York meteorite.

The Discovery and Recovery of the Great Masses

Cape York became famous in the history of meteoritics through the recovery of several large masses, especially during the expeditions associated with Robert E. Peary in the late nineteenth century. Among the best known are the great masses called Ahnighito, The Woman, and The Dog, which helped establish Cape York as one of the iconic iron meteorites of the world.

The sheer scale of these masses, together with the logistical challenges involved in their transport and study, gave Cape York a lasting place in the history of meteorite recovery. For that reason, even smaller slices remain closely connected to one of the most important stories in the history of meteoritics.

Much later, another enormous mass of the Cape York meteorite was discovered. Weighing more than 22 tonnes, the mass now known by its Inuit name Agpalilik was discovered in 1963 by the Danish scientist Vagn F. Buchwald. Today, Agpalilik is exhibited at the Geological Museum of the University of Copenhagen in Denmark, where it remains one of the most impressive surviving masses of Cape York and one of the great monumental meteorites of the world.

The photo shows the 1963 expedition in Greenland, led by Vagn F. Buchwald. It depicts the massive Cape York meteorite, known as Agpalilik, firmly secured on a sled.

Cape York meteorite, known as Agpalilik, firmly secured on a sled.

The photo shows the 20 ton Agpalilik mass of the Cape York meteorite was sectioned in October 1970 using a wire saw fed through a carborundum water slurry. Two cuts were made, 5 cm apart, each requiring about 195 hours to complete.

The 20 ton Agpalilik mass of the Cape York meteorite was sectioned in October 1970 using a wire saw fed through a carborundum water slurry.

Why Cape York Slices Are So Desirable

Cape York slices are especially appreciated because they combine historical prestige with strong visual presence. When polished and etched, they reveal the internal metallic structure of the meteorite in a way that is both scientifically informative and visually compelling. Depending on the individual specimen, the surface may also display troilite inclusions or compositional variation that gives the slice a stronger collector identity.

For collectors, this means that a Cape York slice is never only a section of iron. It is also a fragment of one of the great historic meteorites, with all the weight that name carries in the field of meteoritics.

The photo shows a 42 kg slice of Cape York in my hands!

Cape York Meteorite 42 kg Luc Labenne

Etched Structure and Troilite

The etched surface of Cape York slices reveals the internal organization of the iron meteorite, transforming a polished section into a natural metallic architecture. This etched pattern is one of the reasons iron meteorites are so admired, especially in large display slices where the structure can be appreciated at scale.

Some Cape York specimens also contain notable troilite inclusions. These darker sulfide areas create a strong contrast with the surrounding metal and may significantly enhance the visual individuality of a slice. In such cases, the specimen becomes even more compelling, combining pattern, mass, and mineralogical complexity in a single object.

Cape York for Collectors and Institutions

Cape York occupies a special place in both private and institutional collections. Museums value it for its historical and scientific importance, while collectors seek it for its prestige, structural beauty, and connection to one of the landmark meteorites of the world.

Whether displayed as a polished slice, studied as an iron meteorite of historic importance, or appreciated as part of a high-level collection, Cape York remains one of the most distinguished names in meteoritics.

FAQ

What is the Cape York meteorite?

Cape York is a historic iron meteorite from Greenland, famous for its enormous masses and its long association with Inuit use of meteoritic iron.

Why is Cape York so important?

It is one of the most historically significant iron meteorites ever recovered, with major masses such as Ahnighito, The Woman, The Dog, and Agpalilik.

What type of meteorite is Cape York?

Cape York is an iron meteorite, composed mainly of iron-nickel metal and known for its etched Widmanstätten structures in cut slices.

What is Agpalilik?

Agpalilik is a huge mass of the Cape York meteorite discovered in 1963 by Danish scientist Vagn F. Buchwald. It weighs more than 22 tonnes and is displayed in Copenhagen.

Why are Cape York slices desirable?

Cape York slices combine historical importance, strong visual presence, etched metallic structure, and in some specimens, striking troilite inclusions.

Can collectors acquire Cape York meteorites?

Yes. Selected slices and specimens of Cape York are available to collectors, although high-quality pieces with strong structure or historical appeal are increasingly sought after.