Bendegó Meteorite

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The Bendegó meteorite was unearthed in 1784 in Monte Santo, Bahia, Brazil and stands out as the largest Brazilian meteorite to date, boasting an impressive weight of 5.36 tons. Composed primarily of iron, this siderite also contains notable amounts of nickel (6.6%), cobalt (0.47%), phosphorus (0.22%) and tiny traces of sulfur and carbon. Upon close examination, numerous depressions and holes can be seen on its surface, resulting from the intense burning caused by troilite sulfates as it entered Earth's atmosphere in a fiery blaze. In 1888, thanks to Emperor D. Pedro II's tireless efforts, the Bendegó meteorite was placed on display at the entrance of the National Museum, where it remains to this day as a testament to the museum's resilience following a devastating fire.