This is a complete Seymchan meteorite except for one surface which was cut and polished to provide a small window to the meteorite’s internal structure. Similar to lots 4, 34 and 41.

Pallasites are the result of olivine and peridot from the stony mantle comingling with the molten metal core of an asteroid and the entire asteroid shattering following a massive collision with another asteroid. It is this last event that set free the innermost portions of the asteroid — a little bit of which found its way to Earth. Pallasites are exceedingly rare. The crystals seen in the polished face of this example vividly contrast with the polished metal and the natural external surface of the meteorite. The reverse of this specimen is completely covered with crystals protruding from the metallic matrix which ranges in hues from a pastel chartreuse to amber.

Accompanied by a custom armature, this beguiling meteorite originated at the interface of the molten iron core and stony mantle of an asteroid that no longer exists. The meteorite’s natural exterior surface frames the reveal of the olivine and peridot crystals afloat in the metallic matrix. Accompanied by a custom pedestal. Modern cutting.

Christie's would like to thank Dr. Alan E. Rubin at the Department of Earth, Planetary, and Space Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles for his assistance in preparing this catalogue.

105 x 79 x 10mm (4 x 3 x 0.33 in.) and 289.6 grams (0.66 lbs)