This slice beautifully displays crystals of olivine and peridot suspended in the metallic matrix. This is a splendid representation of some of the most beautiful extraterrestrial materials known. Modern cutting, 4-mm thick so that when backlit it shows a kaleidoscope of transparent yellow-green-orange peridot gems characteristic of this unique pallasite.

The Esquel meteorite is considered to be the “Queen of the Pallasites” due to its stunning large emerald-green olivine crystals, many of which are gem-quality. Indeed, thousands of these crystals have been plucked out of slices and faceted into extraterrestrial peridot gemstones. Peridot (Olivine) is the August birthstone. This meteorite is stable, meaning it doesn’t oxidize or rust easily, thus making it desirable for jewelry pieces and collectors. The Esquel meteorite was a single large 755-kilogram mass. Over the last decade or so, this single mass has since been repeatedly cut and sliced with many pieces ending up in museums and private collections – as such, few large pieces are available for the collector today.

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.
260 mm x 230 mm x 4 mm (10¹⁄₄ x 9 x ¹⁄₈ in.)
918g.

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.