The pattern revealed on polished and etched iron meteorites, showing a characteristic texture. It consists of parallel interlocking bands of kamacite (α-iron) and taenite (γ-iron) resulting from the slow cooling of the meteorite. Analysis of the pattern indicates the size and structure of the parent body. It is named after Count Alois von Beckh Widmanstätten (1753–1849) of Vienna who described it in 1804.