Aletai - Iron IIIE-an

Aletai is a large Iron meteorite from Xinjiang, China, classified as Iron, IIIE-an. It represents ancient iron-nickel material that formed over 4.5 billion years ago within the metallic core of an early differentiated asteroid. After cooling slowly over millions of years, the parent body was disrupted by impacts, sending fragments into space before some eventually reached Earth. Aletai is especially notable for its large recorded mass and distinctive classification within the Iron meteorite family.

This specimen displays the classic density and metallic character expected from an Iron meteorite. Cut and prepared Aletai pieces can reveal bold crystalline structure, while natural pieces often show darker, weathered exterior surfaces formed through long terrestrial exposure. As a IIIE-an Iron, Aletai has a more specialised classification than many common Iron meteorites, adding scientific and collector interest beyond its visual appeal.

For collectors, Aletai is an excellent choice for adding a recognised named Iron meteorite to a collection. It combines strong display presence, ancient planetary core material, and a well-established provenance from China. Each piece offers a direct connection to the metallic interiors of early solar system bodies and the long history of Iron meteorite formation.