Details
An End-Piece from a Seymchan Meteorite
Discovered in Russia, 1967; modern cutting
This specimen reveals both the internal as well as external structures of a Seymchan pallasite. On the cut face, the crystalline pattern of the two nickel-iron alloys are adorned with olivine crystals suspended in the matrix.
12½ x 8 x 5in. (31 x 70.5 x 13cm.)
circa 15kg.
Brought to you by

Lot Essay

Seymchan is an unusual and remarkable pallasite; large portions of the rock are olivine free. Pallasites formed at the core-mantle boundary of an asteroid that experienced melting: molten metal from the core mixed with olivine crystals settling downwards from the mantle. When the parent body was shattered by a major impact, a small portion of the olivine-free metal core remained attached to the olivine-rich core-mantle boundary layer. In some specimens, the Widmanstätten pattern is bent, a result of shearing of the pallasite mass as it exploded in the atmosphere

Click here to learn more about the science and history of meteorites.

Related Articles

Sorry, we are unable to display this content. Please check your connection.

More from
Deep Impact: Martian, Lunar and other Rare Meteorites
Place your bid Condition report

A Christie's specialist may contact you to discuss this lot or to notify you if the condition changes prior to the sale.

I confirm that I have read this Important Notice regarding Condition Reports and agree to its terms. View Condition Report