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Lot Essay
ALLENDE — OLDEST MATTER KNOWN CONTAINED IN LARGE MASS
Allende is the most important and most thoroughly researched meteorite of all time. After the meteorite fell to Earth, scientists quickly found that this cosmic visitor contains minerals that formed at the earliest stage of Solar-System history. The white inclusions seen here, calcium-aluminum-rich inclusions or CAIs, are the oldest matter mankind can touch, dating back 4.567 billion years.
On 8 February 1969, just as geochemists around the world were fine-tuning their analytical equipment in preparation for the return of the first Apollo samples, a shower of meteoritic stones pelted Chihuahua, Mexico. The stones were gathered up by local residents who sold them to the hordes of scientists who had rushed in. Geochemical, petrological and isotopic analyses began almost immediately. Researchers found that the meteorites were part of one mass that had disintegrated high in the atmosphere. There are eight major groups of carbonaceous chondrites, each derived from a separate parent asteroid. The “CV” group, of which Allende is the most prominent member, possesses the largest chondrules and inclusions. Allende is the most researched meteorite material in the world and this is a superlative, fresh specimen with institutional provenance.
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 catalogue note.
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Very light marks, a few old chips to crust, the cut face with minor handling marks. In very good condition. Please note that weights and dimensions are approximate only and that the appearance and surfaces of meteorites can change with atmospheric conditions. Specifically moisture, and salts and acids from excessive handling, can be lightly corrosive and accelerate the natural patination of the meteorite.
The condition of lots sold can vary widely due to factors such as age, previous damage, restoration, repair, and wear and tear. The nature of the lots sold means that they will rarely be in perfect condition. Lots are sold in the condition they are in at the time of sale.
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Lot 41Sale 15410
CARBONACEOUS – CV3
CHIHUAHUA, MEXICO (26°58' N, 105°19' W)A LARGE SPECIMEN OF ALLENDEEstimate: USD 20,000 - 30,000
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