Iron Meteorite from Campo del Cielo, Argentina

A loose iron meteorite fragment from Campo del Cielo, Argentina. The external geometry shows characteristic 'thumbprints', the classic regmaglypts of authentic meteorites.

Regmaglypts are diagnostic: no terrestrial iron pieces have this specific surface geometry. They are formed exclusively during atmospheric entry by differential heating; softer melting material is carried away by the airstream, while harder material remains.

Microscopic examination of the regmaglypt surfaces often reveals remnants of fusion crust and glass droplets from the atmospheric melting phase. These can be geochemically analyzed to reconstruct the entry speed and angle.

The loose format shows the authentic meteorite material without cutting. Collectors particularly value the unprocessed form because it makes all scientifically relevant material properties fully accessible.

An Argentinian collector's item with regmaglypt authenticity and an entry history documented by fusion crust microscopy.