The dark matrix provides a night-sky-like backdrop for the large, rounded breccia clasts revealed on the cut and polished face.

This meteorite originated as part of a basalt flow on or near the surface of the second largest asteroid in the solar system, Vesta (diameter 525 km). Scientists believe eucrites came from Vesta because it is the only large asteroid with a basalt-covered surface. Data transmitted from NASA’s Dawn spacecraft, which orbited Vesta in 2011-12, supports the conclusion of Vestan origin. The delivery mechanism to Earth was the result of another, smaller asteroid having slammed into Vesta, launching material off its surface into interplanetary space. It eventually migrated into an Earth-crossing orbit.

Christie's would like to thank Dr. Alan E. Rubin at the Department of Earth, Planetary, and Space Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles for his assistance in preparing this catalogue.
226 mm x 170 mm x 40 mm (9 x 6²⁄₃ x 1¹⁄₂ in.)
2.1kg.

This lot will be removed to Christie’s Park Royal. Christie’s will inform you if the lot has been sent offsite. Our removal and storage of the lot is subject to the terms and conditions of storage which can be found at Christies.com/storage and our fees for storage are set out in the table below - these will apply whether the lot remains with Christie’s or is removed elsewhere. Please call Christie’s Client Service 24 hours in advance to book a collection time at Christie’s Park Royal. All collections from Christie’s Park Royal will be by pre-booked appointment only. Tel: +44 (0)20 7839 9060 Email: cscollectionsuk@christies.com. If the lot remains at Christie’s it will be available for collection on any working day 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. Lots are not available for collection at weekends.
This lot has been imported from outside of the UK for sale and placed under the Temporary Admission regime. Import VAT is payable at 5% on the hammer price. VAT at 20% will be added to the buyer’s premium but will not be shown separately on our invoice.
Please note this lot is the property of a consumer. See H1 of the Conditions of Sale.