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How large and heavy is the Hoba meteorite?
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Meteorite
The Hoba meteorite, lying where it was discovered in 1920 near Grootfontein, Namibia. The largest meteorite on Earth and an iron meteorite by classification, it consists of a nickel-iron alloy and is estimated to weigh about 60 tons.
The Hoba meteorite is the largest intact meteorite discovered on Earth. Regarding its size and weight:1
- Dimensions: It is roughly rectangular with a flat top, measuring approximately 2.7 meters (9 feet) across.1
- Weight: It currently weighs about 60 tons. While it may have originally weighed as much as 66 tons, its mass has decreased over time due to the removal of material by scientists and souvenir hunters.1
Considered the largest natural piece of iron on the planet, the meteorite is composed of approximately 82.3 percent iron, 16.4 percent nickel, and 0.8 percent cobalt.1