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Few meteorites are as iconic as the Canyon Diablo meteorites. Scattered across the Arizona desert near Meteor Crater, these iron meteorites have been at the center of both scientific discovery and collector fascination for over a century. They helped prove that Meteor Crater was formed by impact, fueled debates between geologists, and became staples of both museum displays and private collections worldwide.
Canyon Diablo meteorites aren’t just specimens—they’re symbols of meteoritics itself. They tell the story of how science came to understand cosmic impacts, how the market grew around famous falls, and how collectors balance passion with legality when dealing with historic finds. This guide explores Canyon Diablo meteorites in depth, from their geologic origins to their market realities, with practical advice for collectors and context for historians.
Meteor Crater (also known as Barringer Crater) is located near Winslow, Arizona. Measuring 1.2 km in diameter and 170 meters deep, it was formed about 50,000 years ago when an iron-nickel asteroid struck Earth at speeds exceeding 12 miles per second.
For decades, scientists debated whether the crater was volcanic or meteoritic in origin. The Canyon Diablo meteorites, found scattered in and around the crater, provided definitive proof of an impact origin.
In the early 1900s, mining engineer Daniel Barringer argued the crater was meteoritic and tried to mine it for nickel and platinum. He never found a massive iron body underground, but his work popularized the impact hypothesis. Later drilling and geological studies confirmed that the asteroid mostly vaporized on impact—leaving behind fragments we now call Canyon Diablo meteorites.
Canyon Diablo is classified as an iron meteorite, IAB-MG (Main Group IAB).
Some specimens are massive, weighing hundreds of kilograms, while others are small shrapnel pieces. Both types are important to collectors, though aesthetics and preservation greatly affect value.
Before Western science, local Native American tribes reportedly used Canyon Diablo iron fragments for tools and trade.
By the late 1800s, scientists and dealers collected fragments extensively. Many specimens were shipped to museums in the U.S. and Europe. Canyon Diablo meteorites became type specimens for iron meteorite studies and were crucial in the development of meteoritics.
In the 20th century, Canyon Diablo became one of the most widely dispersed meteorites in collections worldwide—but also one of the most controversial. Today, the site is protected, and collecting new specimens without authorization is illegal. Most Canyon Diablo meteorites in trade come from old collections established before strict protections.
For collectors, Canyon Diablo meteorites are both common and iconic.
However, buyers must exercise caution: many heavily weathered pieces are on the market, and provenance is key to ensuring legality.
Canyon Diablo meteorites are high-volume market specimens:
Because of legal protections, modern field-collected specimens without provenance risk confiscation and loss of value.
Canyon Diablo meteorites aren’t just collectibles—they remain central to science.
They are also used in teaching—etched slices with Widmanstätten patterns are some of the most common introductory specimens for students.
Like most irons, Canyon Diablo meteorites are vulnerable to rusting (oxidation) if not cared for properly.
Because Canyon Diablo specimens are often shrapnel with exposed surfaces, they can be more vulnerable than whole-mass irons like Gibeon.
Meteor Crater is a protected site. Collecting specimens from the crater or surrounding land today is illegal. Legal specimens must come from old collections predating current protections.
Collectors should:
Why are Canyon Diablo meteorites so famous?
Because they proved Meteor Crater was formed by impact, making them central to the history of planetary science.
Are Canyon Diablo meteorites rare?
No—thousands exist in collections. But large or historic specimens are rare and valuable.
How much do they cost?
Small fragments: $0.50–$5/gram. Large, aesthetic, or historic pieces: hundreds to thousands.
Are new Canyon Diablo specimens still being found?
No—Meteor Crater is protected, and modern collecting is prohibited. Only legacy material is legal to own or trade.
Do they rust easily?
Yes—like all iron meteorites, they are prone to oxidation. Proper care and storage are essential.
What is their classification?
Iron meteorite, coarse octahedrite, group IAB-MG.
Canyon Diablo meteorites occupy a unique place in meteoritics. They are simultaneously common in collections and central to science, serving as both introductory specimens and museum icons. Their role in proving impact cratering, their abundance in old collections, and their striking metallic structure ensure that they will remain among the most recognized meteorites in the world.
For collectors, Canyon Diablo offers a chance to own a piece of history at many levels—from small shrapnel to museum showpieces. But with that opportunity comes responsibility: to preserve, document, and respect the legal protections of Meteor Crater.
Canyon Diablo reminds us that meteorites are more than rocks—they are witnesses of cosmic events that shaped Earth itself.
📚 Want to go deeper? Explore our Free E-Book Library for guides on meteorite care, identification, and building a collection. Or read related posts in our Meteorites Category, including:
Check out our meteorite offerings in our online store.
At Grounded Lifestyles, our love for crystals began in the peaceful flow of Reiki and energy healing sessions — where we saw how natural stones could amplify intentions, restore balance, and bring comfort. But the more time we spent with these treasures, the more curious we became about their origins. That curiosity led us into the fascinating world of geology and mineral specimen collecting. We fell in love not just with the energy of crystals, but with the science and artistry of their creation — the intricate crystal structures, the vibrant mineral hues, and the wonder of holding a piece of Earth’s history in our hands.
