Hoba Meteorite - the largest in the world

Information on world's largest meteorite mentioned in Guinness Book of Records.

The world's largest meteorite is located in our country and can be found on the farm Hoba in vacinity of northern town Grootfontein. It was discovered and first described by J. Brits in 1920. His statement can be seen in the Grootfontein museum.
The meteorite weights approximately 60 tons and has a measures 2.95 by 2.84 meters. Not only the size and its weight that makes this single largest known meteorite in the world so unique but also its cuboid shape which is highly unusual amongst meteorites. It was declared a national monument in March 1955 but despite the fact still suffered from vandals over the years.
The estimated age of meteorite is between 200 and 400 million years and it fell on Earth approximately 80 000 years ago.
The meteorite consists of 82.4% iron, 16.4% nickel and 0.76% cobalt. The scientific classification of Hoba Meteorite is nickel-rich ataxite.
In 1985 the Rossing Uranium Ltd. made funds available for the purpose of combating vandalism.
The meteorite site was donated by farm owner for educational purposes in 1987 and facilities (information centre, kiosk, etc.) were opened in the same year.
Hoba meteorite is the largest known meteorite in the world.
Pictures: Falling meteor sign, Meteorite, Sign to Hoba
Gibeon meteorite shower

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