ME-605A ODESSA, TEXAS, U.S.A.
ME-605B ODESSA, TEXAS, U.S.A.
ME-605C ODESSA, TEXAS, U.S.A.
ME-605D ODESSA, TEXAS, U.S.A.
ME-605E ODESSA, TEXAS, U.S.A.
ME-605F ODESSA, TEXAS, U.S.A.
Iron. Octahedrite, coarse (IA) “CM” REF: P. 268, “HBIM” REF: P. 937, and “ARN’S” REF: P. 232. Found: before 1922. In addition to the above references, please see “Rocks From Space”, O. R. Norton, P. 133-136 for background information on collecting at the site of the Odessa Craters.
The Odessa Craters were formed by an ancient meteoritic shower, during late Pleistocene time, about 25,000 years ago. The group of 5 craters consists of the main crater, which is 550 feet in average rim diameter and about 100 feet in maximum depth; crater No. 2, which is 70 feet in diameter and 17 feet in depth; and three smaller, poorly preserved craters from 6 to 10 feet in depth. These craters are located 10 miles SW of the city of Odessa.
Odessa specimens are often very similar in physical characteristics to the irons recovered from Canyon Diablo (i.e., Meteor Crater) in Arizona with a thin, reddish-brown oxide layer under which, of course, is the bright unoxidized metal. Six specimens are illustrated here. They are all end cuts and are actually the result of cutting up three complete individuals. Items A) and B) have a large Graphite-Troilite nodule exposed, measuring 3/4 X l/2” across on item A). Items C) and D) have a +/- 4 mm diameter Graphite-Troilite nodule exposed, partially rimmed by Schreibersite-Cohenite. Items E) and F) have a +/- 3/8” to 5/8” diameter Graphite-Troilite nodule exposed, also rimmed by Schreibersite-Cohenite. All specimens have natural backs, with the cut surfaces having been polished and etched to show the very obvious Widmanstatten pattern exhibited by this coarse octahedrite. The polished and etched surfaces (re-polished and etched 1997) have been coated with clear Krylon, to prevent surface oxidization. For background information on the Widmanstatten pattern, visible only when iron meteorites are cut, polished, and etched, please refer to “The Meteorite & Tektite Collector’s Handbook”, P. Bagnall, P. 65-68. These professionally prepared specimens are very attractive for display, teaching, or reference collection. Dimensions are given as: length X width X thickness, in inches. Items A) through D) are priced @ +/- 75 cents / gram. Items E) and F) are priced at +/- $1.00 / gram. If purchased as exhibit pairs (i.e., both halves of the specimen), a 10% discount is possible. Details follow:
Individually priced specimens:
A) 424.5 grams 3 3/8” X 1 3/4” X 2 ” $
318.50 SOLD
B) 630.5 grams 3 1/2” X 2 ” X 2
” $ 473.00 SOLD
C) 504.3 grams 4 1/8” X 2 1/8” X 1 1/4” $ 378.25 SOLD
D) 705.7 grams 4 1/4” X 2 1/8” X 1 3/8” $ 529.25
SOLD
SOLD
E) 158.5 grams 1 5/8” X 1 3/8” X 1 1/2” $ 158.50 SOLD
F) 284.1 grams 1 3/4” X 1 3/8” X 1 1/2” $ 284.00 SOLD
Exhibit pairs: (10% discount, off of the individual prices
above)
A) & B) exhibit pair: 1,055.0 grams X .675 cents per gram = $ 712.00 /
pair. SOLD
C) & D) exhibit pair: 1,210.0 grams X .675 cents per gram = $ 816.75 / pair. SOLD
E) & F) exhibit pair: 442.6 grams X .90 cents per gram = $
398.25 SOLD
Enlargement of Widmanstatten pattern on ME-605D
Note Graphite nodule in upper left corner.
