{"title":"Hoba - Iron, IVB (Ataxite)","description":"\u003cp\u003eHoba is a historic IVB Iron meteorite from Namibia, found in 1920 on the Hoba West farm near Grootfontein. With an estimated mass of around 60 tonnes, it is the largest known intact meteorite on Earth and the largest naturally occurring piece of iron known at the surface. Unlike many large meteorites, Hoba remains where it was found and is preserved as a national monument. It is officially classified as an Iron, IVB meteorite, representing nickel-rich metallic material from an ancient asteroid parent body.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHoba is an Ataxite Iron meteorite, meaning it has high nickel content and does not display the broad Widmanstätten patterns typical of Octahedrites. It is composed mainly of iron and nickel, with a tabular, block-like shape and a weathered oxidised surface from long terrestrial exposure. Collector specimens are usually small fragments or prepared pieces removed historically, since the main mass remains protected in Namibia.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStudying Hoba provides insight into nickel-rich Iron meteorites, asteroid core material, atmospheric survival, and the preservation of very large meteorite masses on Earth. Its immense size, Namibian provenance, IVB classification, and historic importance make it one of the most iconic Iron meteorites in the world. For collectors, each specimen represents ancient asteroid metal connected to the largest intact meteorite ever found.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[],"url":"https:\/\/outerspacer.com\/collections\/hoba-iron-ivb-ataxite.oembed","provider":"OuterSpacer Meteorites","version":"1.0","type":"link"}