Muonionalusta – Meteorite Cube, Iron, 67 g, 2 cm

Features
• Name: Muonionalusta
• Classification: Iron Meteorite (IVA, fine octahedrite)
• Origin: Parent Body: Differentiated asteroid (unknown specific body)
• Found: Norrbotten County, Sweden
• Discovery Date: 1906
• Total known weight: 230 kg
• Weight: 67 g
• Dimensions: 20 × 20 × 20 mm
• Condition: Cut and etched cube

Scientific and Physical Characteristics
Muonionalusta was discovered in Norrbotten County, Sweden, in 1906 and is one of the oldest known iron meteorites. It belongs to the IVA chemical group of iron meteorites and is structurally classified as a fine octahedrite. These meteorites formed from metallic material within the core region of a differentiated asteroid during the early history of the Solar System.

When cut and etched, Muonionalusta reveals its distinctive Widmanstätten pattern, a crystalline structure created by the extremely slow cooling and solid-state transformation of iron-nickel alloys over millions of years inside its parent body. The visible pattern consists mainly of intergrowths of kamacite and taenite, which are characteristic features of octahedrite iron meteorites.

The specimen represents material that originated from a metallic region of an ancient differentiated asteroid and preserves evidence of early planetary differentiation processes. Iron meteorites such as Muonionalusta are scientifically important because they provide direct insight into the formation of metallic cores in early planetary bodies. With its precise geometric preparation and clearly visible Widmanstätten structure, this specimen combines scientific significance with a refined presentation, making it suitable for serious meteorite collections.