Iron meteorite from Campo del Cielo, Argentina

A loose iron meteorite fragment from Campo del Cielo, Argentina. The individual piece exhibits a particularly pronounced plate-like (flat) geometry, likely fractured along a Widmanstätten lamellar plane.

Plate-like fracture geometries occur when the material breaks along a large crystallographic phase boundary. The kamacite lamellae in Campo del Cielo material are often several millimeters thick; fractures along these lamellae produce flat, large fracture surfaces.

The flat geometry is particularly well-suited for gemological examinations: the large surface can be polished and etched to reveal the full Widmanstätten structure. Such prepared sections are classic collector's items in meteoritics.

The loose format without a jewelry setting allows for direct scientific or decorative use.

An Argentine collector's item with Widmanstätten lamellar fracture geometry and plate-like preparation for cutting.