Nevada Meteorite Picture of the Day

Explanation: The second meteorite found in Nevada is the Quartz Mountain Meteorite found under two feet of detritus by a group of men clearing the way to dig a mine tunnel about five miles southeast of Quartz Mountain, Nye County, which is now on the Nellis Air Force Range. The specimen weighed about 10 pounds and was acquired by the University of Nevada shortly after its discovery.

Quartz Mountain:

37'12' N., 116'42' W.
Nye County, Nevada, U.S.A.
Found 1935
Iron. Octahedrite, medium (1.1mm) (IIIA).
A mass of 4832 grams was found.
Analysis, 7.85 %Ni, 18.6 ppm.Ga, 36 ppm.Ge, 4.2 ppm.Ir. Kamacite shocked to epsilon structure.

[References: GIANELLA Vincent P. (1936), "METEORITE FROM QUARTZ MOUNTAIN, NEVADA" Popular Astron. 44, 448-450]

This meteorite is on loan from the MacKay School of Mines, UNR, to the Fleischmann Planetarium for long-term display. What with the University wanting to remove this Planetarium in order to expand upon the nearby football stadium, meteorites such as this one (on loan for display purposes) are at risk of having to be returned to their owners. This same problem exists for many of the smaller museums and planetariums across this country.
Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center is located just 1-1/2 miles north of downtown Reno on the University of Nevada, Reno campus next to the Stadium. They offer planetarium star shows, SkyDome large-format films, an astronomical museum and exhibits, a free public observatory, plus more.
When in Reno, make plans to visit the Hall of the Solar System at the Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center. You'll see a collection of meteorites including the first four ever recovered in the state of Nevada