Gebel Kamil is a meteorite that struck Egypt later than 3000 BC, leaving a crater surrounded by thousands of pieces of iron shrapnel with a total weight of about 1,600 kilograms (3,500 lb).[2]
Gebel Kamil | |
---|---|
Type | Iron |
Structural classification | Ataxite[1] |
Group | Ungrouped[2] |
Composition | Nickel 19.7%[1] |
Country | Egypt[2] |
Region | Al Wadi al Jadid, East Uweinat Desert |
Coordinates | 22°01′06″N 26°05′16″E / 22.01833°N 26.08778°E[2] |
Observed fall | No[2] |
Found date | 2009-02-19[2] |
TKW | 1,600 kilograms (3,500 lb)[2] |
Strewn field | Yes |
A slice of the Gebel Kamil meteorite showing schreibersite rimmed by kamacite. | |
Related media on Wikimedia Commons |
History
editIn February 2009 and 2010, meteorite fragments with masses ranging from < 1 gram (0.035 oz) to 35 kilograms (77 lb), plus an 83 kilograms (183 lb) specimen, were found in and around a 45 metres (148 ft) radius from Kamil Crater by an Italian-Egyptian geophysical team.[2] About 800 kilograms (1,800 lb) was recovered.[2] The geophysical survey took place as part of the "2009 Italian-Egyptian Year of Science and Technology".[2]
Mineralogy
editThe Gebel Kamil meteorite contains the minerals schreibersite and kamacite.
Classification
editThe Gebel Kamil meteorite has been classified as an ataxite.
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b "Gebel Kamil Meteorite". Retrieved 8 January 2013.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Gebel Kamil". Meteoritical Bulletin Database. Meteoritical Society. Retrieved 8 January 2013.