Less than 0.2% of all meteorites are pallasites, the most beautiful extraterrestrial substance known. Pallasites are formed at the core-mantle boundary of an asteroid that underwent a mixing of the core’s molten metal with olivine from the mantle. The result is olivine crystals suspended in an iron-nickel matrix. Seymchan also contains gem-quality olivine otherwise known as peridot (birthstone of August). Pallasites are the most dazzling of all meteorites and this is a wondrous three-dimensional presentation of a pallasite, revealing aspects of structure impossible to see in a flat slab. Found in Siberia, this specimen can rightfully be considered an otherworldly crystal ball.

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.