Canyon Diablo Meteorite – Fragments from the Legendary Barringer Crater, Arizona

The Canyon Diablo meteorite is the architect of "Meteor Crater" in Arizona, known worldwide as the Barringer Crater. To hold a fragment of this meteorite in your hand is to hold the raw, cosmic power that dramatically changed our world 50,000 years ago.

For all who seek the authentic, we offer genuine fragments of this historic iron meteorite. Our collection spans an extraordinary range: from impressive, heavy specimens over 500 grams (over 1 lb) to affordable pieces ideal as a representative specimen or as the first step into a fascinating meteorite collection. For context, the largest-known fragment, the "Holsinger Meteorite," is a thousand times heavier and can be viewed at the Meteor Crater Visitor Center.

The Impact That Shook the Earth

About 50,000 years ago, a massive iron meteorite (a Coarse Octahedrite, Class IAB) from the asteroid belt raced towards Earth. Unlike many meteorites that burn up in the atmosphere, this colossus slammed into the Arizona desert at an estimated speed of over 40,000 km/h (25,000 mph).

The explosion was apocalyptic, comparable to the force of dozens of megatons of TNT, leaving behind a crater over 1.2 kilometers (nearly a mile) wide and 170 meters (560 ft) deep. The fragments of the impactor—known today as the Canyon Diablo—were blasted for kilometers across the surrounding landscape.

Pioneering Spirit and Science: The Story of Barringer Crater

The crater bears its name in honor of mining engineer Daniel Moreau Barringer. At a time when the scientific consensus insisted on a volcanic origin, Barringer was the first to champion the radical thesis of a cosmic impact. He dedicated his life to proving his theory. Owning a Canyon Diablo fragment is therefore also a tribute to this scientific pioneering spirit that revolutionized our understanding of the universe.

A Fragment Full of Character: More Than Just Iron

What fascinates collectors and connoisseurs about Canyon Diablo is its raw, unaltered form. These are not smooth pebbles; they are twisted, often-sharp-edged witnesses to a violent explosion. Their sculptural, almost shrapnel-like structure tells the story of their creation and makes them true icons among iron meteorites.

What's scientifically sensational is that the extreme pressure and immense heat of the impact formed microscopic diamonds (Lonsdaleite) within the meteorite. You are not just acquiring iron from space; you are acquiring a geological marvel that documents the extreme conditions of the impact for eternity.

Are you looking for a small, characteristic representative specimen to add the cosmic dimension to your mineral collection? Or are you seeking a heavy, museum-quality centerpiece to command attention as a standalone showpiece in a cabinet or on a desk? You will find it here!

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