Stony Iron – Pallasite (PMG); Atacama Desert, Chile

Suspended in an iron-nickel matrix of an asteroid’s core, highly translucent olivine and peridot crystals are plentiful in this example of the most beautiful extraterrestrial substance known. Polished on both sides, modern cutting.

The Imilac meteorite is one of the most famous and desirable pallasites known. Many pieces have been found over the last 200 years, totaling about 1000 kilograms. It is known for its amazing green-to-golden translucent olivine crystals and superb stability. It is often used in jewelry due to its unique ability to resist oxidation damage. The meteorite fell long ago in the Atacama Desert, the driest place on Earth. That clearly preserved the meteorite in nearly pristine condition. Found in all major museum and private collections worldwide, Imilac is considered a must-have meteorite; no collection is complete without a specimen. Extensive expeditions to the Atacama Desert over the last two decades have depleted the strewn field.

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.
240 mm x 130 mm x 2 mm (9¹⁄₂ x 5¹⁄₈ x ¹⁄₈ in.)
333g.

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.
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