1922 - Odessa - The original Texas oil patchOdessa is out in west Texas - a dry, desert-like part of the state - with lots of oil!
Date: 04/03/2009
1922 - Odessa - The original Texas oil patch
Odessa - 12.8 gramsThe Odessa Crater - and four smaller craters - were formed by a large shower of nickel-iron meteorites - it is estimated the event occurred some 24,000 to 25,000 years ago
Date: 01/01/2000
The Odessa Crater - and four smaller craters - were formed by a large shower of nickel-iron meteorites - it is estimated the event occurred some 24,000 to 25,000 years ago
Odessa - 12.8 gramsOur samples are classified as an Iron - IAB-MG
Date: 01/01/2000
Odessa - 12.8 grams
Odessa Crater ExcavationFrom 1939 until 1941 all of these trenches were dug by hand! - Dr. Virgil Barnes, a geologist from the University of Texas was one of the scientists who was at the site
Date: 06/01/2009
Odessa Crater Excavation
Odessa - 8.5 gramsTo date about 1.6 metric tons of meteorite material has been recovered from the Odessa crater
Date: 06/01/2009
Odessa - 8.5 grams
Odessa - 8.5 gramsOur Odessa meteorite slice has an interesting interlocking pattern of iron-nickel bands
Date: 06/01/2009
Odessa - 8.5 grams
Texas Memorial MuseumThe Texas Natural Science Center in the museum is the home of the UT Collection of Meteorites
Date: 06/05/2009
Texas Memorial Museum - Home of the UT Collection of Meteorites
UT Collection - Large Odessa StoneA very large Odessa stone on display at UT in Austin, TX - it looks like it might need a good rust treatment!
Date: 06/05/2009
Odessa
UT Collection - Large Odessa End-cutA really big etched end-cut of a sample on display at UT in Austin, TX
Date: 06/05/2009
Odessa
Odessa TrenchesGlen Evans was the geologist in charge of the exploration of the crater from 1939 until 1941 - he was part of the Bureau of Economic Geology - forming a joint venture involving Federal, State and County agencies
Date: 09/08/2009
Glen Evans was the geologist in charge of the exploration of the crater from 1939 until 1941 - he was part of the Bureau of Economic Geology - forming a joint venture involving Federal, State and County agencies
Odessa - 38.8 gramsOur end-cut shows the interior of this historic iron meteorite
Date: 09/08/2009
Our end-cut shows the interior of this historic iron meteorite
Odessa - 38.8 gramsOur end-cut also gives a good look at the crust on the outside of the recovered individuals
Date: 09/08/2009
Our end-cut also gives a good look at the crust on the outside of the recovered individuals
Dawson County cotton fieldThe cotton fields of Dawson County where the O'Donnell meteorite was found in 1992 are now full of power generating windmills
Date: 04/08/2009
Dawson County cotton filed
O'Donnell - 13 gramsA single 12.7 kilogram stone was found by a farmer who was plowing one of those cotton fields
Date: 01/01/2000
O'Donnell - 13 grams
O'Donnell - 13 gramsOur slice is classified as an H5 chondrite
Date: 01/01/2000
O'Donnell - 13 grams
OzonaOzona has big hills and rugged landscape - the Ozona meteorite was found here in 1929 by Harvey Nininger
Date: 05/06/2007
Ozona's hills and rugged landscape
Ozona - .70 gramsOur small sample is classified as an H6 chondrite - the TKW of Ozona is about 127.5 kilograms
Date: 01/01/2000
Ozona - .70 grams
UT Collection - Large Ozona StoneA very large sample stone of the Ozona meteorite on display at UT in Austin, TX - it looks a little bit like an old, weathered NWA stone
Date: 01/01/2000
Ozona - .70 grams
Peña Blanca Spring Meteorite RecoveryThe Peña Blanca Spring meteorite plunged into a natural springs swimming pool on the Gage ranch in Brewster County on August 2, 1946 in front of many witnesses - the stones were quickly retrieved from the water
Date: 09/25/2009
The Peña Blanca Spring meteorite plunged into a natural springs swimming pool on the Gage ranch in Brewster County on August 2, 1946 in front of many witnesses - the stones were quickly retrieved from the water
Original Peña Blanca Spring MeteoritesTwo very large stones (47 kilograms and 13 kilograms) are shown along with a significant number of smaller stones - the total weight recovered was about 70 kilograms
Date: 09/25/2009
Two very large stones (47 kilograms and 13 kilograms) are shown along with a significant number of smaller stones - the total weight recovered was about 70 kilograms
UT Collection - Peña Blanca SpringOne of the large stones is now on display at the Texas Memorial Museum at the University of Texas in Austin
Date: 09/25/2009
One of the large stones is now on display at the Texas Memorial Museum at the University of Texas in Austin
Big Bend National ParkLocated in Brewster County - it is the largest protected area of Chihuahuan Desert topography and ecology in the United States - the Peña Blanca Spring meteorite fell in this county
Date: 09/25/2009
Located in Brewster County - it is the largest protected area of Chihuahuan Desert topography and ecology in the United States - the Peña Blanca Spring meteorite fell in this county
Peña Blanca Spring - .470 gramsOur beautiful part slice of this meteorite has been classified as an achondrite belonging to the aubrite group
Date: 09/25/2009
Our beautiful part slice of this meteorite has been classified as an achondrite belonging to the aubrite group
Peña Blanca Spring - .470 gramsA look at the back side of the part slice - meteorite eye candy!
Date: 09/25/2009
A look at the back side of the part slice - meteorite eye candy!
Map of Brewster County, TXThe county is dominated by the National Park which is bordered on the south by the Rio Grande River
Date: 09/26/2009
The county is dominated by the National Park which is bordered on the south by the Rio Grande River
Peña Blanca Spring - .080 gramsOur small fragment shows great detail and color!
Date: 09/26/2009
Our small fragment shows great detail and color!
Peña Blanca Spring - .080 gramsAnother view of the bottom of the same fragment
Date: 09/26/2009
Another view of the bottom of the same fragment
UT Collection - Plainview - Large StoneIn 1915 a farmer sent a sample of the Plainview meteorite into the Smithsonian Institution which confirmed the find - about a dozen more stones were collected and also sent into the Smithsonian over the next two years
Date: 01/01/2000
In 1915 a farmer sent a sample of the Plainview meteorite into the Smithsonian Institution which confirmed the find - about a dozen more stones were collected and also sent into the Smithsonian over the next two years
Plainview (1917) - SliceIn December of 1933 Harvey Nininger and his brother John went to Plainview and recovered an additional 26 stones from the meteorite fall - he paid a dollar a pound at the time - the total weight was 152 pounds
Date: 06/20/2009
In December of 1933 Harvey Nininger and his brother John went to Plainview and recovered an additional 26 stones from the meteorite fall - he paid a dollar a pound at the time - the total weight was 152 pounds
Plainview (1917) - SliceOur fantastic slice is classified as an H5 chondrite - it is full of metal and lots of inclusions and chondrules - the TKW of Plainview is more than 700 kilograms
Date: 01/01/2000
Plainview - Slice
Runnels County, Texas - cotton fieldThe Pony Creek meteorite was purchased by Oscar Monnig in Runnels County
Date: 06/06/2009
The Pony Creek meteorite was purchased by Oscar Monnig in Runnels County
Pony Creek - 10.4 gramsOur slice came from the Oscar E. Monnig Collection at TCU - the single 4,642 gram stone was originally found in 1947
Date: 06/06/2009
Our slice came from the Oscar E. Monnig Collection at TCU - the single 4,642 gram stone was originally found in 1947
Pony Creek - 10.4 gramsThe meteorite is classified as an H4 chondrite
Date: 06/06/2009
Pony Creek - 10.4 grams
Red River - Main Mass - Yale Peabody MuseumIn 1808 explorers in Texas found the large mass - a second group took it to the Red River and then by boat to New Orleans - it was shipped to New York and the Gibbs family took possession - Mrs. Gibbs later presented it to Yale
Date: 07/17/2009
In 1808 explorers in Texas found the large mass - a second group took it to the Red River and then by boat to New Orleans - it was shipped to New York and the Gibbs family took possession - Mrs. Gibbs later presented it to Yale
Red River - 1.82 gramsFor many years Red River was the largest meteorite in any collection in the world - it weighed 742 kilograms - only a few small pieces were removed from it while it was in New York - which was the source of our collection's slice!
Date: 07/17/2009
For many years Red River was the largest meteorite in any collection in the world - it weighed 742 kilograms - only a few small pieces were removed from it while it was in New York - which was the source of our collection's slice!
Red River - 1.82 gramsOur ultra-rare slice of Red River is classified as an iron meteorite belonging to chemical group IIIAB
Date: 07/17/2009
Our ultra-rare slice of Red River is classified as an iron meteorite belonging to chemical group IIIAB
Fayette County CourthouseRound Top (b) was found near La Grange in Fayette County in 1934
Date: 04/03/2009
Round Top (b) - Fayette County Courthouse, La Grange
Round Top (b) - 7.5 gramsThe Round Top (b) stone weighing about 7.17 kilograms was acquired by Oscar E. Monnig after canvassing farmers in the Round Top area
Date: 01/01/2000
The Round Top (b) stone weighing about 7.17 kilograms was acquired by Oscar E. Monnig after canvassing farmers in the Round Top area
Round Top (b) - 7.5 gramsMost of this meteorite is still in the TCU collection - our sample is classified as an H4
Date: 01/01/2000
Round Top (b) - 7.5 grams
Silvertown 1930s FarmhouseThe Silverton meteorite weighed 3,946 grams and was found in 1938
Date: 04/08/2009
Silvertown 1930s Farmhouse
Silverton canyonlandsA view off Caprock into the valley - courtesy Eric Blackwell
Date: 04/08/2009
Silverton canyonlands - courtesy Eric Blackwell
Silverton - .82 gramsOur small slice is classified is classified as an H4 chondrite
Date: 01/01/2000
Silverton - .82 grams
Somervell County CourthouseThe Somervell County meteorite was found in 1919
Date: 07/04/2009
The Somervell County meteorite was found in 1919
Somervell County - 2.09 gramsOur small individual is classified as a main group Pallasite
Date: 07/04/2009
Our small individual is classified as a main group Pallasite
Somervell County - 2.09 gramsOver 11.8 kilograms of material has been recovered of this meteorite - if you look closely you can see a small crystal peeking out from the inside of this small individual
Date: 07/04/2009
Over 11.8 kilograms of material has been recovered of this meteorite - if you look closely you can see a small crystal peeking out from the inside of this small individual
Lynn County CourthouseThe Tahoka meteorite weighed 7.7 kilos and was found by a farmer 4 miles east of town in 1994
Date: 04/03/2009
Tahoka, Lynn County Courthouse
Tahoka farm landIt goes on for miles and miles!
Date: 04/03/2009
1994 - Tahoka - Found in a farmer's field
Tahoka - 1.12 gramsA 7.7 kilogram stone was found by a farmer and used as a garden decoration and a door stop until it was identified as a meteorite - it is classified as an L5 chondrite
Date: 01/01/2000
Tohoka- 1.12 grams
Tahoka - One half of the original stoneThis piece was purchased by McCartney Taylor - the other half was divided into thirds and kept by the family
Date: 06/19/2009
Tahoka - One half of the original stone
Tahoka - 3.9 gramsWe purchased this sample slice directly from McCartney
Date: 06/19/2009
Tahoka - 3.9 grams
Tahoka - 3.9 gramsIt has some interesting inclusions and a sprinkling of metal
Date: 06/19/2009
Tahoka - 3.9 grams
UT Collection - Texas TektitesThese tektites from Grimes County, Texas are classified as bediasite - a silica-rich altered earth material - most of these samples are from the Virgil E. Barnes Tektite Collection - VEBTC
Date: 07/16/2009
These tektites from Grimes County, Texas are classified as bediasite - a silica-rich altered earth material - most of these samples are from the Virgil E. Barnes Tektite Collection - VEBTC
Texas Tektite - 7.50 gramsOur tektite sample is a nice round specimen with a great exterior texture
Date: 07/16/2009
Our tektite sample is a nice round specimen with a great exterior texture
Texas Tektite - 7.50 gramsThe underside is a great fusion of melted material and bubbles
Date: 07/16/2009
The underside is a great fusion of melted material and bubbles
Bell County Expo CenterA familiar sight from Interstate 35 - the Bell County Expo Center is near Temple, Texas
Date: 06/22/2009
Bell County Expo Center
Temple - 2.205 gramsOur end-cut sample of the Temple meteorite has been classified as an L6 chondrite
Date: 06/22/2009
Temple - 2.205 grams
Temple - 2.205 gramsThe original meteorite was found in 1959 - about 5 kilograms in total have been found to date
Date: 06/22/2009
Temple - 2.205 grams
Texas RangerTexas Rangers use to pass through the area where Tierra Blanca was found in 1966
Date: 04/08/2009
Texas Ranger
Tierra Blanca - .312 gramsFound in 1965, Tierra Blanca has a low TKW of only 860 grams, in addition it is a Winonaite - a rare meteorite class
Date: 01/01/2000
Tierra Blanca - .312 grams
Tierra Blanca - .312 gramsOur small fragment is slightly crusted
Date: 01/01/2000
Tierra Blanca - .312 grams
Town of TuliaTulia is up in the Texas panhandle near Lubbock
Date: 04/12/2007
Town of Tulia
Tulia (a) - 2 & 2.4 gramsFound in 1917, this meteorite has a TKW of 86 kilograms
Date: 01/01/2000
Tulia (a) - 2 & 2.4 grams
Tulia (a) - 2 & 2.4 gramsOur samples are classified as an H3-4 chrondrite
Date: 01/01/2000
Tulia (a) - 2 & 2.4 grams
Old Swisher County CourthouseTulia (b) was found in Swisher County in 1917
Date: 04/08/2009
Old Swisher County Courthouse
Tulia (b) - 2.4 & 2.8 gramsStones weighing 4.8 kilograms were collected by Harvey Nininger in 1917 and obtained from him by the Field Museum of Chicago, in 1940
Date: 01/01/2000
Tulia (b) - 2.4 & 2.8 grams
Tulia (b) - 2.4 & 2.8 gramsOur samples of this find are classified as an L6 chrondrite
Date: 01/01/2000
Tulia (b) - 2.4 & 2.8 grams
UT Collection - Large Tulia StoneA very large Tulia stone which is on display at UT in Austin, TX - three different catalog numbers are painted on this specimen
Date: 05/24/2009
Tulia (d) - 4.5 grams
Tulia (d) - 4.5 gramsLots of metal in this meteorite as shown by this photo angle - it is classified as an H6 chrondrite
Date: 05/24/2009
Tulia (d) - 4.5 grams
Tulia (d) - 4.5 gramsAbout 17.7 kilograms have been recovered of Tulia (d)
Date: 05/24/2009
Tulia (d) - 4.5 grams
Uvalde County Court HouseUvalde is due west of San Antonio
Date: 11/10/2005
Uvalde is due west of San Antonio
Uvalde LandscapeThe 8.2 kilogram meteorite was spotted on the side of the road and picked up back in 1915
Date: 07/04/2009
The 8.2 kilogram meteorite was spotted on the side of the road and picked up back in 1915
Uvalde - 11.5 gramsOur interesting slice of this meteorite is classified as an H5 chondrite
Date: 07/04/2009
Our interesting slice of this meteorite is classified as an H5 chondrite
Wellman FarmlandWellman has wide open fields! A single 16.8 kg stone was found by a farmer in 1999
Date: 04/03/2009
Wellman has wide open fields!
Wellman (f) - 2.05 gramsOur sample has been classified as an H3.5 chrondrite
Date: 01/01/2000
Wellman (f) - 2.05 grams
Wellman (f) - 2.05 gramsIt has a great distribution of metal flakes throughout the interior
Date: 01/01/2000
Wellman (f) - 2.05 grams
Wellman Feed StoreA little bit of Texas history!
Date: 06/19/2009
Wellman Feed Store
Wellman (c) - 57.3 gramsFound in Terry County, Texas - our stone was first recognized as a meteorite by Glenn Huss in 1965 - he collected almost 20 kilograms over a twenty year period
Date: 06/19/2009
Found in Terry County, Texas - our stone was first recognized as a meteorite by Glenn Huss in 1965 - he collected almost 20 kilograms over a twenty year period
Wellman (c) - 57.3 gramsThis stone has been classified as an H4 chondrite
Date: 06/19/2009
Wellman (c) - 57.3 grams
UT Collection - Wichita County - Main MassIn the 1800s this 320 pound meteorite was revered as a "medicine rock" by several Texas Indian tribes, including the Osage, Wichita, and Comanche who held their most important meetings around the meteorite in a secret cave
Date: 07/16/2009
In the 1800s this 320 pound meteorite was revered as a "medicine rock" by several Texas Indian tribes, including the Osage, Wichita, and Comanche who held their most important meetings around the meteorite in a secret cave
Wichita County - 2.12 gramsIn the Spring of 1856 troopers from Fort Belknap transported the large meteorite to San Antonio - later it was moved to Austin for display in the Capitol - until the fire of 1881 - it now resides at UT
Date: 07/16/2009
In the Spring of 1856 troopers from Fort Belknap transported the large meteorite to San Antonio - later it was moved to Austin for display in the Capitol - until the fire of 1881 - it now resides at UT
Wichita County - 2.12 gramsWe have this small, extremely rare slice of the main mass! - it is classified as an iron meteorite belonging to the main group (MG) of the IAB complex
Date: 07/16/2009
We have this small, extremely rare slice of the main mass! - it is classified as an iron meteorite belonging to the main group (MG) of the IAB complex
More to come!We still have over 50% of our Texas meteorite specimens to photograph, research, and post - please visit again soon to see our progress...
Date: 02/23/2012
We still have over 50% of our Texas meteorite specimens to photograph, research, and post - please visit again soon to see our progress...