This complete slice is defined by the winding exterior rim of the meteorite from which it originates. Dark veins of devitrified melt course through the tan-hued matrix. Chondrules and other inclusions including large grains of meteoritic iron-nickel are in evidence. Modern cutting.
71 x 95 x 3mm. (2¾ x 3¾ x ⅛in.)

57.3g.

Viacheslav Kalachev Collection, Moscow

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Lot Essay

This complete slice represents the product of a catastrophic impact between asteroids in interplanetary space. The heat from the collision caused the now-dark material to become a melt that injected and penetrated the lighter lithology. The LL5 characterization indicates that the lighter lithology has a very low amount of free metal and the “5” indicates that the rock experienced a good deal of metamorphism. The black lithology is comprised of a hardened glass-like melt with chondritic fragments.

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.