Canyon Diablo
Coconino County, Arizona

Canyon Diablo
History

This Meteor Crater was first sighted by the white man in 1871.
It wasn't until 1890 that nickel-iron meteorites were discovered on
the surrounding plain. It is estimated that the mass was approximately
80to 100 feet in diameter and weighted about 400,000 tons, and that it
originated in the asteroid belt. We believe about 30,000 years ago, this
meteorite entered the atmosphere from the north traveling about 43,000
miles per hour leaving a crater 4100 feet across and nearly 600 feet deep.
Upon impact, the meteorite is believed to have vaporized and fragments were
thrust as far as 11 miles away. Although the composition is 92 % Iron and 7%
Nickel, traces of Platinum, Iridium and Black Diamonds have been found in
these specimens. Numerous masses, of total weight over 30 tons and ranging
from minute fragments to the largest piece weighting 1406 lbs, have been
found in the vicinity of crater like elevation known as Coon Butte, "Crater
Mountain" or "Meteor Crater" 10 miles SE of Canyon Diablo.

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