The Hoba meteorite, also known as the Hoba West, is a meteorite located on the Hoba West Farm not far from the Grootfontein area in Namibia. It was once buried but has never been moved from the location where it fell due to its enormous mass. With an estimated mass of about 60 tons, it is the largest known meteorite (single fragment) and the largest natural block of iron on the Earth’s surface.

It is believed that the Hoba meteorite fell around 80,000 years ago. It is a disc-shaped iron meteorite, measuring 2.7 meters in length and width, and 0.9 meters in height. In 1920, its estimated mass was 66 tons. Erosion, scientific sampling, and destructive activities have caused its mass to decrease every year, with an estimated remaining mass of 60 tons. The composition of this meteorite is 84% iron, 16% nickel, with detectable cobalt, classified as a nickel-rich ataxite; chemically, it is classified as an IVB iron meteorite. Due to weathering, iron hydroxides are present on its surface.

In an effort to protect it from further damage, the Namibian government (then Southwest Africa) declared the Hoba meteorite a national monument on March 15, 1955, and agreed that Mrs. Shelver, the current owner of the farm, would be the owner of the meteorite. In 1985, Rössing Uranium Limited provided funding and resources to the Namibian government to prevent further damage to the meteorite. In 1987, Mr. J. Engelbrecht, the owner of the Hoba West Farm, donated the meteorite and the site to the government for educational purposes. At the end of that year, the site was opened by the government as a tourist attraction. This development has halted the destruction of the meteorite and attracts thousands of visitors annually.

Hoba Meteorite
Reason to Visit: The largest natural block of iron on Earth
Continent: Africa
Country: Namibia
Province/State: Otjozondjupa Region