Iron, ataxite (ungrouped) Ryazan District, Russia (54° 44' N, 41° 25' E)

Dronino is a highly exotic meteorite; no other meteorite looks like this. The unique crenellated surface texture of this iron meteorite is the result of its unique chemical composition, the alkalinity of the soil into which it fell and the amount of water to which it was exposed for more than 1,000 years. Dronino specimens belong to the exclusive “ungrouped” population of iron meteorites. While 90% of iron meteorites are members of established chemical groups, the other 10% are chemically unrelated to other specimens. Dronino is one of these unusual, ungrouped irons. They were first discovered in 2000 by a mushroom hunter outside an ancient town founded in 1152. As nothing was ever written about what would have been an exceedingly memorable event of a fireball accompanied by smoke trails and sonic booms, it’s likely Dronino’s arrival occurred when the area was unpopulated. Given the high degree of terrestrial weathering (which is chiefly responsible for the unusual shapes of Dronino specimens), a descent to Earth more than a millennium ago can be confidently inferred. A mesmerizing display of a crenellated surface texture is present throughout — the result of a centuries-long interaction of the meteorite’s unique composition with Earth’s soil and groundwater.

Hewn by forces both on and off Earth, the texture blanketing this meteorite is among the best examples of a Dronino’s idiosyncratic surface. With a patina ranging in hues from pewter to platinum, this abstract, otherworldly conversation piece from the asteroid belt is accompanied by a custom armature.

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.


149 x 135 x 64mm (5.75 x 5.33 x 2.5 in) and 4.74 kg (10.5 lbs)