Copyright 2011 - M.Bandli - Historic Meteorites
TOMBIGBEE RIVER
Jachin, Alabama
First piece found in 1859 - Iron, IIG (Bellsbank Grouplet)
Historical Notes: Six masses with a total weight of approximately 43 kilograms were found during a period of about 20 years begining in 1859. All six masses were purchased by Foote Mineral around 1899.
Tombigbee River is part of the Bellsbank grouplet of meteorites. This rare grouplet contains the lowest nickel content of all iron meteorites. There are only six Bellsbank members in the world. Tombigbee River also contains the highest phosphorus content of any known meteorite.
References:
Foote, W.M. (1899), Note on a new meteoric iron found near the Tombigbee River, near Choctaw and Sumter Counties, Alabama, USA. The American Journal of Science, VIII, pp 153-156.
Collection No. B269.1 - A 13.52 gram part slice.
Provenance: William S. Vaux (1811-1882); by deposit to The Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia (ANSP)
Specimen Notes: Specimen was renumbered from "78A" to "22757" by Richard Barringer in 1961-62 and stored in Tray #36 at the Academy.
Above: Photo excerpt of the first mass found in 1859. (Source: Foote, 1899)
Above: Specimen with Schreibersite. Dark patch is an apparent bead of glue from being displayed at the Academy.
Above: Modern day ANSP label.