The Gold Basin meteorite was unwittingly discovered (and discarded) by gold prospectors in the "Gold Basin" area of the Arizona desert. Hunters looking for gold nuggets would find "hot rocks" that would set off their metal detectors. Upon seeing these unremarkable rocks were not gold, they would toss them aside. Later, Professor Jim Kriegh recognized these rocks as meteorites and had them classified. He then spent many years mapping out the strewnfield of this ancient fall and his name is forever associated with this meteorite.
Gold Basin is an attractive L4 chondrite that has a matrix filled with chondrules and metal flecks. It is considered a classic American meteorite find with a well-documented body of science around it.
The specimen being offered here is a small fragment that has been tumble polished. It has a rounded shape and glossy patina. You get ONE (1) stone selected from the larger lot shown. You will get the largest one remaining in stock.
Refer to the photo. The black centimeter cube is shown for scale and is not included. You are purchasing ONE (1) small stone selected from the larger lot shown. Your purchase will include a labeled gemjar for safe storage.
From the Meteoritical Bulletin entry on Gold Basin :
Gold Basin
Mohave County, Arizona, USA
Initial find 1995 November 24
Ordinary chondrite (L4)
A meteorite was found in an area of arroyos draining the White Hills by Professor Jim Kriegh (UAz, emeritus) while prospecting for gold with a metal detector. As of 1997 November, 1484 stones have been recovered, with a total mass of 61.0 kg, from an area of ~130 km2. The largest individual stone has a mass of 1.52 kg. Classification and mineralogy (D. Kring, UAz): olivine, Fa24±1; pyroxene Fs20Wo1; kamacite contains 0.72 ± 0.09 wt% Co; weathering grade W2–3. Specimens: UAz, 0.8 kg; SI, 8.4 kg; bulk of the mass with Jim Kriegh and his fellow collectors.
