SKU:S418

Genuine Aletai Coarse Octahedrite Meteorite

Name: Genuine Aletai Coarse Octahedrite Meteorite
Brand: ForeverGems_Tuc26
SKU: S418
Price: 760.00 ZAR
Availability: InStock

Genuine Aletai Coarse Octahedrite Meteorite

R760.00 ZAR

Sale Sold out

Shipping calculated at checkout.

1 in stock

The Aletai coarse octahedrite is in a category by itself. Classified as an anomalous IIIE iron meteorite, it is described by scientists as a coarse octahedrite unlike any other known sample — a designation that reflects just how unusual its mineralogy, chemistry, and crystalline structure truly are. The Widmanstätten pattern visible in cut and etched specimens is distinct even from other IIIE irons, a fingerprint of this meteorite's unique cosmic origin.

First identified in 1898 under the name Armanty, the Aletai meteorite was not fully understood for more than a century. Fragments recovered across Northern Xinjiang were gradually connected by their shared chemistry — high cobalt, gold, and iridium content, and a complex mineralogy featuring kamacite, taenite, plessite, schreibersite, troilite, cohenite, haxonite, and daubréelite — until scientists confirmed that all known masses came from the same parent body. In 2016, the meteorite was formally named Aletai.

The fall left behind a strewn field of at least 430 kilometres — the largest ever recorded on Earth — and a total recovered mass exceeding 74 tonnes. This genuine Aletai coarse octahedrite fragment carries the full scientific weight of that extraordinary legacy.

The Specimen Details

✓ Meteorite Type: Anomalous IIIE Iron Meteorite (Coarse Octahedrite)

✓ Composition: Kamacite, Taenite, Plessite; elevated Cobalt, Gold & Iridium

✓ Accessory Minerals: Schreibersite, Troilite, Cohenite, Haxonite, Daubréelite

✓ Strewn Field: 430+ km — longest ever recorded on Earth

✓ Total Recovered Mass: Exceeds 74 tonnes

✓ Fall Location: Northern Xinjiang (Altay Prefecture), China

✓ First Identified: 1898 (as Armanty); formally named Aletai in 2016

✓ Specimen Size: ≈25mm x 21mm x 15mm

✓ Weight: 33 gram

Own a genuine Aletai coarse octahedrite — a meteorite unlike any other known sample, now available for your collection.

Before You Add to Cart ✨

Online Only: This exact piece is available online only. Similar pieces may be available in store so please check with us before you visit Forever Gems in Franschhoek. Want to view it in-store? Just ask — we’ll arrange it.

Photos: We shoot for accuracy, but colors may vary slightly by screen or lighting.

Size & Weight: Full details are in the description. Please check before buying.

What You See Is What You Get: The item pictured is the exact piece you’ll receive.

Authenticity Guaranteed 🛡️

Every specimen at Forever Gems is personally hand-selected and verified. We source exclusively from trusted IMCA-registered dealers, artisanal miners, and long-standing partners we meet with annually at the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show.

Any replica or reproduction fossils are always clearly labeled and sold separately.

Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee

We stand behind the authenticity of every fossil we sell. If a fossil purchased from Forever Gems can be scientifically proven not to be authentic, it may be returned at any time for a full refund, provided supporting proof is supplied. This lifetime authenticity guarantee is in addition to our standard 30-day return policy.

Rather than paper certificates, we rely on over 13 years of experience, expert knowledge, and trusted supplier relationships to ensure authenticity and quality.

Shipping & Collection 🚚

We ship nationwide with The Courier Guy and RAM Hand-to-Hand Couriers primarily and worldwide with FedEx. Tracking provided on all orders.

Local pickup: Wellington by appointment, Franschhoek Store Fri–Sun, or Franschhoek Village Market Saturdays (weather permitting).

Own courier: We’ll notify you when ready for collection from Wellington, SA.

International: Shipping options show at checkout. Duties/taxes, if any, are paid by the buyer.

All specimens are securely packaged to arrive safely. Questions? Contact us

Quick links

Forever Gems

We’d love to hear from you. Whether you have a question, a comment, a suggestion, or a request, we’re here to help. You can contact us by email, phone, or social media.