Gebel Kamil Iron Meteorite Individual, Ungrouped Ataxite, 430.46g, Impact Crater Specimen

Individual from one of Earth's youngest impact craters

This 430.46g Gebel Kamil individual preserves the deformation signature of hypervelocity impact. The specimen displays pronounced regmaglypts across its surface—thumbprint-like ablation features formed as atmospheric friction melted and sculpted the iron during entry. Impact-induced deformation is visible throughout the mass, evidence of the shock event that excavated the 45-meter crater in Egypt's southwestern desert approximately 5,000 years ago.

The surface texture documents the thermal and mechanical stresses of atmospheric passage. Regmaglypts cover the exterior in overlapping patterns, their depth and distribution recording the rotation and orientation of the meteoroid during descent. Shrapnel deformation from the hypervelocity impact compresses portions of the mass, creating structural distortions that distinguish crater-recovered specimens from more gently fallen meteorites.

Ataxite structure and composition

Gebel Kamil is classified as an ungrouped ataxite, a rare structural type representing less than 2% of recovered iron meteorites. Ataxites lack the crystalline Widmanstätten pattern found in octahedrites, instead forming a fine-grained nickel-iron structure with more than 16% nickel content. This high nickel concentration prevents the formation of visible kamacite and taenite bands even under acid etching.

The ungrouped classification indicates Gebel Kamil does not match the chemical and isotopic signatures of established iron meteorite groups. This specimen derives from a distinct parent body fragmentation event, representing a separate population in the asteroid belt. The ataxite structure formed through slow cooling in the core of its parent asteroid over millions of years before catastrophic disruption ejected fragments into Earth-crossing orbits.

Scientific context

The Gebel Kamil crater in Egypt's southwestern desert represents one of the best-preserved young impact structures on Earth. Discovered in 2008 and confirmed through meteorite recovery in 2009, the crater measures 45 meters in diameter and excavates Cretaceous sandstone bedrock. The pristine preservation results from the hyperarid climate, which limits erosion and allows detailed study of impact mechanics.

Discovery of the crater and subsequent meteorite recovery provided researchers with a complete impact system—crater morphology, ejecta distribution, and the projectile material itself. This correlation allows precise modeling of impact velocity, angle, and energy release. The youth of the structure, estimated at approximately 5,000 years, means the crater formed during human prehistory, though no historical records document the event. Gebel Kamil joins a select group of craters where the impactor has been recovered and classified, advancing understanding of small-body impact processes. Learn About Meteorites to understand how crater formation and meteorite recovery inform planetary science.

Frequently asked questions

Is this meteorite authenticated? Yes. Gebel Kamil is classified in the Meteoritical Bulletin as Iron (ungrouped, ataxite). You can verify the classification here: Gebel Kamil. This specimen includes a certificate of authenticity from Treasure Coast Meteorite Co.

What does ungrouped ataxite mean? Ataxites are iron meteorites with more than 16% nickel, preventing the formation of visible Widmanstätten patterns. Ungrouped means this meteorite's chemistry does not match any established iron meteorite group, indicating it derives from a distinct parent body in the asteroid belt.

What are regmaglypts? Regmaglypts are the thumbprint-like depressions covering this specimen's surface. They form during atmospheric entry when differential ablation creates flow patterns in the melting metal. The pattern on this piece records its orientation and rotation during descent.

What is included with this specimen? This listing includes the 430.46g Gebel Kamil individual, certificate of authenticity, and specimen card with classification details. No display stand is included.

How rare are crater-recovered meteorites? Extremely rare. Only a handful of impact craters on Earth preserve both the structure and recoverable meteorite fragments. Gebel Kamil is one of the youngest and best-preserved examples, making specimens from this fall scientifically significant for impact studies.

Collector significance

Gebel Kamil occupies a position in meteorite collecting that few specimens can match—a classified ungrouped iron with documented crater association and preservation of impact features. The crater's discovery in 2008 and subsequent meteorite recovery created international attention in the meteoritics community. Specimens from crater-associated falls command collector interest because they connect the meteorite to its impact event, providing context beyond the material itself.

This 430.46g individual offers substantial mass with clear surface features. The regmaglypts and impact deformation visible across the specimen provide visual evidence of the forces involved in atmospheric entry and ground impact. The weight places this piece in the mid-range for Gebel Kamil individuals, large enough for display presence while remaining accessible compared to kilogram-class specimens. Collectors focused on Iron Meteorites recognize Gebel Kamil as a geologically young fall with exceptional preservation and documented provenance.

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