Gebel Kamil Iron Meteorite Individual, Ungrouped Ataxite, 216.06g, Polished Window

Impact crater specimen with polished observation window

This 216.06g Gebel Kamil individual presents dual observation surfaces: the natural desert-weathered exterior preserves the specimen's journey through Egyptian sands, while a cut and polished window exposes the homogeneous ataxite structure beneath. The polished face reveals the characteristic featureless texture of ungrouped ataxites, lacking the kamacite-taenite patterns found in octahedrites. The specimen's mass and dual finish make it suitable for both display and scientific examination of ataxite composition.

Gebel Kamil meteorites originate from a 45-meter impact crater discovered in 2009 in Egypt's remote southwestern desert. The crater's exceptional preservation and the recovery of thousands of iron meteorite fragments create a direct link between crater formation and impactor material. This specimen's substantial weight places it among the larger recoveries from the strewn field, where most fragments weigh under 100g.

Structure and features

The polished window displays the diagnostic texture of ataxite meteorites: a uniform fine-grained structure resulting from extremely slow cooling in the metallic core of a differentiated parent body. Unlike octahedrites with their visible Widmanstätten patterns, ataxites contain such high nickel content that kamacite crystals never developed during cooling. The exterior surface retains regmaglypts and oxidation products from atmospheric entry and terrestrial weathering in the hyperarid Egyptian environment.

The specimen's geometry reflects natural fragmentation during impact. The polished face was prepared to expose the interior metallic structure, revealing the consistent grain texture throughout the mass. The transition between weathered exterior and bright polished metal demonstrates the specimen's solid composition without internal fracturing or shock melts.

Scientific context

Gebel Kamil belongs to the ungrouped iron meteorites, samples that do not fit established chemical classifications. These meteorites represent distinct parent bodies or unusual formation conditions not captured by the standard groups. The ataxite structure indicates nickel content exceeding approximately 16%, placing this material in a high-nickel compositional regime. The Gebel Kamil crater provides rare terrestrial evidence connecting specific crater features to the impactor's metallurgical properties. Studies of the crater and meteorite fragments constrain impact velocity, angle, and energy deposition during crater excavation. For collectors and researchers studying impact processes, Gebel Kamil specimens link laboratory meteorite analysis to field observations of cratering mechanics. Learn About Meteorites explains how iron meteorite classification systems organize specimens by structure and chemistry.

Frequently asked questions

Is this meteorite authenticated? Gebel Kamil is classified as Iron (ungrouped, ataxite) in the Meteoritical Bulletin Database. The classification confirms ungrouped status and ataxite structure through compositional and structural analysis. This specimen includes a certificate of authenticity from Treasure Coast Meteorite Co. documenting its provenance from the Gebel Kamil crater strewn field.

What does ataxite mean? Ataxite describes iron meteorites with nickel content so high that kamacite crystals did not form during cooling, resulting in a uniform fine-grained structure lacking Widmanstätten patterns. The term comes from Greek meaning "without structure," referring to the absence of visible crystalline patterns when etched.

What is included with this specimen? The listing includes the 216.06g Gebel Kamil individual with natural exterior and polished window, certificate of authenticity, and specimen card with classification details. No display stand is included.

Why does this specimen have a polished window? The polished face was cut to expose the interior metallic structure for observation and study. This preparation allows examination of the ataxite texture while preserving the natural exterior surface, combining aesthetic display value with scientific accessibility.

When was the Gebel Kamil crater discovered? The impact crater was discovered in 2009 during satellite image surveys of Egypt's southwestern desert. The crater's young age (estimated at 5,000 years old based on geological evidence) and excellent preservation make it significant for impact studies.

Collector significance

Gebel Kamil meteorites connect collectors to one of Earth's youngest and best-preserved simple impact craters. The 2009 discovery and subsequent scientific publications elevated these specimens beyond typical iron meteorite finds. The dual-finish preparation on this individual provides both visual interest through the contrasting surfaces and scientific value through the exposed ataxite structure. At 216.06g, this specimen represents substantial mass from a geologically recent impact event with documented crater morphology. Collectors focused on impact crater associations, ungrouped irons, or North African meteorites prioritize Gebel Kamil material. The specimen's weight supports stable display orientations while remaining accessible for handling and examination. Iron Meteorites in the collection includes both grouped and ungrouped classifications, with Gebel Kamil specimens offering the crater provenance context that distinguishes them from other ungrouped ataxites.

Meteoritical Bulletin entry: Gebel Kamil | Classification: Iron (ungrouped, ataxite) | Find, Egypt, 2009