Aletai - Iron IIIE-an

Aletai is a large Iron meteorite from Xinjiang, China, officially classified as Iron, IIIE-an. The Meteoritical Bulletin lists Aletai as an official meteorite name, found in 1898, with a recorded mass of 74 tonnes, making it one of the largest known Iron meteorites. Formed over 4.5 billion years ago within the metallic core of an early differentiated asteroid, Aletai represents ancient iron-nickel material that cooled slowly before its parent body was disrupted and fragments eventually reached Earth.

Aletai specimens are composed primarily of iron-nickel metal and are known for their distinctive etched patterns when cut and prepared. As a IIIE-an Iron, Aletai belongs to an unusual chemical group, giving it a more specialised classification than many common Iron meteorites. Prepared pieces often reveal bold crystalline structure, while natural pieces can show darker weathered surfaces depending on exposure and preservation. This combination of size, classification, and visual character gives Aletai strong appeal within Iron meteorite collections.

Studying and collecting Aletai provides insight into the cooling and crystallisation of metallic core material in early planetary bodies. Its unusual IIIE-an classification helps broaden understanding of the diversity within Iron meteorites, while its large total mass and Chinese provenance make it a recognisable name on the collector market. For collectors, Aletai offers an accessible yet scientifically interesting Iron meteorite, combining ancient planetary core material with strong display potential.