Exceptional etched slice of the iron meteorite Muonionalusta weighing 279 g, displaying a remarkably sharp and highly contrasted Widmanstätten pattern across the entire surface. The large exposed metallic area reveals the intricate crystalline structure formed through extremely slow cooling within the core of an ancient differentiated asteroid. This specimen combines strong geometric aesthetics with the historic significance of one of the oldest known meteorites on Earth. A refined and highly displayable iron meteorite slice for advanced collections.
This beautiful etched slice of the famous iron meteorite Muonionalusta weighs 279 g and reveals an exceptionally well-developed Widmanstätten structure over nearly the entire surface.
The polished and etched face displays a dense geometric network of interlocking kamacite and taenite lamellae formed through extremely slow cooling inside the metallic core of a differentiated asteroid during the earliest stages of Solar System formation.
The crystalline structure visible on this specimen is particularly sharp and contrasted, producing a highly aesthetic metallic pattern highly appreciated by collectors of fine iron meteorites.
The overall shape of the slice preserves broad uninterrupted crystalline surfaces, allowing the Widmanstätten pattern to be appreciated at large scale. Small natural inclusions and internal structural variations further enhance the scientific and visual interest of the specimen.
Muonionalusta is especially valued for the refinement and stability of its etched structures, making it one of the most desirable iron meteorites for polished display slices.
Muonionalusta was discovered in northern Sweden near the Arctic Circle and is classified as a fine octahedrite iron meteorite (IVA).
It is considered among the oldest known meteorites on Earth, with an age approaching 4.56 billion years.
The meteorite formed within the metallic core of an early asteroid where extremely slow cooling produced the spectacular crystalline structures revealed after etching.
The Widmanstätten pattern visible on etched iron meteorites represents the intergrowth of nickel-iron minerals formed over millions of years of cooling in space.
These geometric crystalline structures are impossible to reproduce artificially and remain one of the defining visual characteristics of iron meteorites.
