Pallasites are among the most aesthetically dazzling meteorites in the world and Esquel is among the most coveted. As Esquel’s crystals were not heavily shocked — unlike most pallasites — its highly translucent chartreuse to amber olivine bedazzles. This specimen contains a great deal of facet-grade olivine or peridot (the semi-precious birthstone of August). This partial slice also has a Macovich Collection provenance (as does the giant complete slice of Esquel on display at the American Museum of Natural History’s Rose Center for Earth & Space). Representing the mantle/core boundary of an asteroid that no longer exists, this partial slice, with two distinct edges of the meteorite’s external surface, embodies Esquel’s most alluring qualities. Indeed, small specimens of Esquel were the first pallasites put to use with the advent of contemporary meteorite jewelry and it’s easy to understand why. Prized among collectors, this is a superior specimen of an incomparable meteorite.

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.

114 x 101 x 3mm (4.66 x 4 x 0.1 in.) and 157.9 grams (0.33 lbs)