Canyon Diablo “Bomblets”
Canyon Diablo is an iron meteorite, discovered in 1891. The Canyon Diablo meteorite fall created Meteor Crater in Arizona where 30 metric tons of material was discovered. “Bomblets” are Canyon Diablo impactites.
“Impactites are brecciated rock materials, glasses, shattercones and other structures produced by the impact of a large meteorite ”
These incredible specimens range in measurement from 1 to 3 mm, are dark grey/black and some have a white coating. The pieces are attracted to a magnet.
Canyon Diablo impactite "bomblets"
These impactites have a H.H. Nininger provenance. The label on the jar reads "Impactite bomblets from depth 4 to 5 ft. in pit on N.N.W. lower "half"(?) of Crater rim.". The label inside the jar reads "Bomblets taken from 4 - 5 ft depth in excavation, passed 16 mesh caught by 24, no volcanics, no acid used, contents of this jar represents approx. 200 hrs. of magnetic separation by use of hand magnet."
While prepping vials of Bomblets we examined the pieces under a 60 power loupe. We discovered the particles have distinct shapes that resemble other impactites; such as Indochinite tektites and Wabar splash droplets. Very clearly seen are spherules, tear-drops and dumbbells, among other shapes. In addition, many of the pieces, in particular the broken ones, exhibit the most minuscule of vesicles.
The images below display a few specimens taken through a 60 power loupe.
