Gebel Kamil (meteorite)
Gebel Kamil is a meteorite that struck Egypt about 5000 years ago 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 | |
|---|---|
 Some pieces of the Gebel Kamil iron meteorite. | |
| 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[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
In 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
The Gebel Kamil meteorite contains the minerals schreibersite and kamacite.
Classification
The Gebel Kamil meteorite has been classified as an ataxite.
See also
References
- "Gebel Kamil Meteorite". Retrieved 8 January 2013.
- "Gebel Kamil". Meteoritical Bulletin Database. Meteoritical Society. Retrieved 8 January 2013.