Wrapped in an edge of fusion crust, signature chondrules and CAIs are highly evident along with a galaxy of other inclusions — and all are suspended in the sample’s gray carbonaceous matrix. This is a select complete slice of the most researched meteorite with some of the oldest matter one can touch. Modern cutting.
163 x 129 x 2 mm. (5 x 6½ x ⅛ in.) and 138 g.

The most studied meteorite in the world. Hundreds of scientific papers have been written about the meteorite and its components. Rare by virtue of its carbonaceous chondrite classification, samples of the Allende meteorite shower of February 8, 1969 contain isotopes scientists believe were created during the explosion of a supernova prior to the formation of our solar system. The white CAIs (calcium-aluminum inclusions) seen here are thought to be the first substances to have formed in the gaseous nebula from which our solar system originated. In effect, these inclusions are aggregates of true "stardust“ — and Allende is among the very few meteorites to contain such particles. Several new minerals have been discovered in Allende including a titanium oxide named panguite after the ancient Chinese god Pan Gu, the creator of the world who separated yin from yang, the earth from the sky.

Christie's would like to thank Dr. Alan E. Rubin at the Institute of Geophysics and Planetary Physics, University of California, Los Angeles for his assistance in preparing this catalog note.