Buy Watson 001 – 469.6 g Meteorite Specimen

Watson 001 – 469.6 g Specimen
One of the Rarest IIE Iron Meteorites Known

This extraordinary 469.6-gram specimen is part of the Watson 001 meteorite — an exceptionally rare extraterrestrial find that belongs to a class of only 17 known IIE iron meteorites worldwide. Its significance lies not only in its rarity but also in its unique mineralogical and structural characteristics, which set it apart from all other known specimens.

Origin and Discovery

Watson 001 was discovered in 2021 near the town of Watson, in the Outback region of South Australia, during a metal detecting expedition in a remote desert area. The meteorite was found partially buried in coarse sand, with no visible impact crater, suggesting it may have landed thousands of years ago and been gradually covered by sediment. Its identification and classification were confirmed through detailed analysis by international meteorite experts and subsequently published in the Meteoritical Bulletin.

Classification and Scientific Significance

Watson 001 is classified as an IIE anomalous iron meteorite, a highly uncommon group that is believed to originate from the crust or near-surface regions of a differentiated asteroid — likely related to asteroid 6 Hebe or a similar parent body. Unlike typical iron meteorites that originate from planetary cores, IIE irons are thought to have formed through impact melting processes and rapid cooling on or near the surface, making them particularly valuable to planetary scientists.

What sets Watson 001 apart even further is its recrystallized Widmanstätten pattern and melted troilite inclusions, which have undergone unique thermal processing. The result is a completely singular internal structure — a striking visual of metallic bands and sulfide pools that have been reshaped by intense heating and subsequent cooling, making it unlike any other meteorite ever documented.

Specimen Details

• Name: Watson 001

• Mass: 469.6 grams

• Classification: Iron, IIE-anomalous

• Location Found: South Australia, 2021

• Total Known Weight (TKW): Very limited; only a few kilograms recovered

• Distinct Features: Recrystallized pattern, melted troilite, rare IIE classification

This piece represents not only a tangible fragment of our solar system’s early history but also a remarkable geological rarity. With its stunning features and exceptional classification, this 469.6 g Watson 001 specimen is both a scientific treasure and a museum-quality collector’s piece.