Complete Slice of a Chinga Meteorite

A RARE ATAXITE METEORITE POLISHED TO A MIRROR FINISH

The Chinga meteorite is a very rare type of iron meteorite known as an ataxite. Ataxites contain a high amount of nickel compared to other iron meteorites. As a result, when etched and polished, they don't reveal any Widmanstätten pattern when looked at with the naked eye, as the low-nickel iron alloy kamacite has been crowded out by the higher-nickel iron alloy taenite. Chinga contains between 16% and 17% nickel, at which point a visible Widmanstätten pattern is unable to form. Because of this rare fact, the display side of this Chinga meteorite slice has been able to be etched and polished to an almost mirror-like finish.

Given that most iron meteorites show a Widmanstätten pattern when etched, ataxites 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. Because ataxites are much more uncommon than other iron meteorites, they are highly sought after by collectors, especially in the condition of a slice like the one offered here.

REFERENCES:

Meteoritical Bulletin Entry for Chinga