Established 1982
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Established 1982 |
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METEORITES PAGE 25 Updated 23 October 2007 VALERA:
the Meteorite that killed a cow!
- "On the evening of 1972 October 15, a bright light accompanied by a loud noise were witnessed near the El Tinajero farm The next morning, Dr. Arginiro Gonzales and his guest, Juan Dionicio Delgrado, discovered that a cow had apparently been killed by a falling stone. The stone had broken into three pieces weighing 38, 8, and 4 kg respectively. The largest stone remained outdoors for decades after the fall. Classification and mineralogy (A. Rubin, UCLA). Olivine, Fa24.2, shock stage S4 and weathering W3." The preceding quote is from the Meteorical Bulletin, No 85, 2001. Valera is only the second meteorite from Venezuela, and an historic witnessed fall, historic because of the fact that an affidavit states a cow was killed by the stone from the sky. Several cars and buildings have been struck by meteorites but this is the only confirmed death of an animal caused by a meteorite. The affidavit further states that the cow was eaten and the stones were kept by Dr. Gonzalez. Valera is a gorgeous meteorite, rich in colors of brown, tan, and some blue/greens. Furthermore, though classified as an L5, it is full of metal flecks and has some great chondrules. Valera is an outstanding addition to any meteorite collection! A copy of the 4 page affidavit will accompany each specimen purchased. Most of the Valera meteorite available to collectors has been sold so if you want an example of this "cow killer" space rock, now is the time to acquire a choice specimen while supplies last. Remember the Peekskill meteorite that hit a car! It now sells for well over $100.00 per gram. Will Valera increase as dramatically in price over the next few years? Possibly not, but who knows!!! Several meteorites have hit cars and houses - but only one has killed a cow. These are my last pieces!
PLEASE NOTE: you will receive a copy of the sworn and registered affidavit with each of these "cow killer" meteorite slices.
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