Aletai meteorites were found in China in 1898. The 28-ton (62,000-pound) Armanty mass of Aletai is the fifth largest meteorite found on Earth’s surface. Aletai is classified as a coarse octahedrite iron meteorite of the chemical group IIIE-an. At present, Aletai is one of only two meteorites fall into the IIIE-an chemical group. The total known weight of Aletai is 74 tons.
Aletai meteorites are commonly seen as slices, and can feature inclusions of troilite and schreibersite. Aletai crystals often take on fantastical, angular shapes. Individuals of Aletai typically have a shiny, gunmetal finish. These iron meteorite are made up of nickel and iron and crystallized from a melt. Aletai’s gold and iridium content is also much higher than the other IIIE irons, of which there are currently 19.
This part slice features what’s known as a black etch, which makes the Widmanstätten pattern appear dark.
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