Gebel Kamil (meteorite)

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Gebel Kamil
Gebel Kamil Meteorite.jpg
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 / 22.01833°N 26.08778°E / 22.01833; 26.08778Coordinates: 22°01′06″N 26°05′16″E / 22.01833°N 26.08778°E / 22.01833; 26.08778[2]
Observed fall No[2]
Found date 2009-02-19[2]
TKW 1,600 kilograms (3,500 lb)[2]
Strewn field Yes
Gebel-Kamil-slice-10.7g.jpg
A slice of the Gebel Kamil meteorite showing schreibersite rimmed by kamacite.

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]

History[edit]

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[edit]

A 60 grams (2.1 oz) fragment from the Gebel Kamil meteorite.

The Gebel Kamil meteorite contains the minerals schreibersite and kamacite.

Classification[edit]

The Gebel Kamil meteorite has been classified as an ataxite.

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b "Gebel Kamil Meteorite". Retrieved 8 January 2013. 
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Gebel Kamil". Meteoritical Bulletin Database. Meteoritical Society. Retrieved 8 January 2013.