Chinga Meteorite

A RARE ATAXITE FROM SIBERIA

The Chinga meteorite is a very rare type of iron meteorite known as an ataxite. Ataxites contain a high amount of nickel — often between 16% and 30%, but sometimes as much as 60% — compared to other iron meteorites. As a result, when cut, etched and polished, they don't reveal any Widmanstätten pattern when looked at with the naked eye, as the high-nickel iron alloy taenite has crowded out the low-nickel iron alloy kamacite.

Given that ataxites such as Chinga do not produce a Widmanstätten pattern when etched, they are not easily identified as meteorites and can often be mistaken for iron slag. Nickel tests (alongside microscopic examination) are essential for identifying ataxites as meteorites. In addition, because they are much rarer than other iron meteorites, they are highly sought after by collectors, many of whom search for uncut and complete stones like the one offered here, as they come in a range of sculptural shapes with gentle regmaglypts (or "thumbprints") not seen on more typical iron meteorites.

REFERENCES:

Meteoritical Bulletin Entry for Chinga