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Sikhote-Alin Meteorite – 2.7 kg Highly Oriented Individual

A Powerful Example of a Sikhote-Alin Oriented Meteorite

This impressive 2.7 kg Sikhote-Alin meteorite is a substantial and highly oriented individual, displaying the unmistakable characteristics created during its fiery passage through Earth’s atmosphere.

Sikhote-Alin is one of the most famous witnessed meteorite falls in history, and oriented specimens are particularly fascinating because their external surfaces preserve evidence of how the meteorite traveled and ablated during atmospheric entry.

Highly Oriented Form

This specimen is strongly oriented, giving it a distinct aerodynamic shape rather than the more irregular appearance commonly associated with Sikhote-Alin fragments.

The oriented face shows the effects of atmospheric ablation and is somewhat less feature-filled, while the trailing side is remarkably pristine. This contrast makes the specimen especially interesting: one side records the intense interaction between the meteorite and Earth’s atmosphere, while the other retains an exceptionally clean and comparatively undisturbed surface.

The transition between these surfaces helps tell the story of the meteorite’s journey through the atmosphere.

The Pristine Trailing Side

One of the standout features of this specimen is its exceptionally preserved trailing side. The relatively pristine surface provides an excellent view of the natural metallic character of the Sikhote-Alin material and creates a striking contrast with the more aerodynamically affected oriented face.

For collectors who appreciate meteorites for their physical evidence of atmospheric flight, this combination of surfaces is particularly desirable.

The Sikhote-Alin Fall

The Sikhote-Alin meteorite fell on February 12, 1947, in the Sikhote-Alin Mountains of eastern Russia. The fall was observed by numerous witnesses and produced an extensive strewn field containing thousands of individual meteorite specimens.

The event is considered one of the most spectacular meteorite falls of modern times. Sikhote-Alin is classified as an iron meteorite, composed primarily of iron and nickel, and many specimens preserve dramatic regmaglypts, flow features, and orientation effects produced during atmospheric entry.

Specimen Details

• Meteorite: Sikhote-Alin
• Type: Iron meteorite
• Weight: 2.7 kg
• Form: Highly oriented individual
• Oriented side: Displays atmospheric-entry characteristics
• Trailing side: Exceptionally pristine
• Fall: Sikhote-Alin, 1947
• Ideal for: Serious meteorite collections, museum-style displays, astronomy collections, and collectors of oriented irons

A Substantial Display Specimen

At 2.7 kilograms, this is a substantial Sikhote-Alin Meteorite individual with the physical presence expected from a centerpiece specimen. Its highly oriented shape makes it particularly compelling when displayed so that both the oriented and trailing surfaces can be viewed.

The contrast between the less feature-filled oriented side and remarkably pristine trailing side adds character and provides a visual record of the meteorite’s passage through Earth’s atmosphere.

A substantial 2.7 kg Sikhote-Alin meteorite individual with strong orientation, an exceptionally pristine trailing surface, and a fascinating record of atmospheric flight.