This handsome meteorite display contains a genuine fragment of the Park Forest L5 chondrite meteorite that fell over the Cook County area of Illinois on March 26, 2003. Park Forest Cook County, Illinois, USA Fell 2003 March 26, approx. 23:50 hrs local time Ordinary chondrite (L5) A bright fireball was seen by numerous observers in parts of Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Ohio around midnight of March 26, 2003. Numerous stones fell, mostly concentrated in the area of the village of Park Forest. At least two houses in Park Forest were struck, as was the Fire Station. Dozens of other stones or fragments of stones were recovered in the area in the hours and days following the fall. Total mass recovered is more than 18 kg, largest stone ~3 kg in possession of finder. Description and classification (S. Simon, UChi; M. Wadhwa, FMNH; P. Sipiera, PSF): Most stones are partly to fully fusion-crusted. Some broken faces show brecciated texture, angular clasts. Cross-cutting dark veins and dark pockets may be of impact melt origin. No visible chondrules in hand sample. Abundant troilite and metal visible in some broken faces. Chondrules and maskelynite are visible in thin section. Mean olivine composition Fa24.7, mean low-Ca pyroxene Fs20.7Wo1.6. Shock stage S5. Specimens: type specimen 515 g (hit fire station), FMNH. Other stones at FMNH: 1200 g, 529 g, 183 g, 159 g, 125 g.
Park Forest meteorites showered over populated areas, and a number of homes, vehicles, and man-made objects were impacted. Park Forest is a famous "hammer" meteorite that is a must have for any collector. (see the Meteoritical Bulletin entry below)
This display contains a small sample micromount of Park Forest meteorite. The specimen is housed in an acrylic gemjar, which is then placed inside a Riker box display. The display has a print of the Park Forest bolide as it appeared in the sky. The specimen inside can be removed and handled, if desired. This display would make a fine outreach or teaching prop, and it would look great in the home or office.
Refer to the photo. The black centimeter cube is shown for scale and is not included.
From the Meteoritical Bulletin entry on Park Forest :