description Canyon Diablo Overview
Canyon Diablo is the name given to iron meteorite fragments associated with Meteor Crater, also called Barringer Crater, in Arizona. The impact occurred roughly 50,000 years ago and dispersed fragments of an IAB complex iron meteorite around the crater, many containing iron-nickel metal, sulfides, and mineral inclusions. Lead isotope measurements involving Canyon Diablo material were central to Clair Patterson's 1950s calculation that Earth and the Solar System are about 4.55 billion years old.
insights Ranking position
Canyon Diablo ranks #1 of 213 in the Meteorite ranking, ahead of Allende.
help Canyon Diablo FAQ
How is Canyon Diablo connected to Arizona's Meteor Crater?
Canyon Diablo fragments are remnants of the iron asteroid that formed Barringer Meteor Crater near Winslow, Arizona. Most of the impactor was vaporized or dispersed, but metallic pieces were recovered around the crater.
How did Canyon Diablo help determine the age of Earth?
Clair Patterson analyzed lead isotopes from Canyon Diablo material during the 1950s. His work produced an Earth age of about 4.55 billion years, close to the value accepted today.
Why is it called Canyon Diablo if it came from Meteor Crater?
The meteorite took its name from nearby Canyon Diablo, following the geographic naming practices used for meteorites. The impact structure itself is also known as Barringer Crater after mining engineer Daniel Barringer.
What is Canyon Diablo meteorite made of?
Canyon Diablo is an iron meteorite containing abundant iron and nickel. Some specimens also contain minerals such as troilite and tiny diamonds produced or altered under extreme impact conditions.
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