Details
This large endcut is expertly cut, polished, and etched. The etch reveals the distinctive Widmänstatten pattern of the nickel-rich iron: this silvery iron beautifully contrasts with and encloses the gemmy peridot, producing a stunning extraterrestrial masterpiece.

A geological exploration to Siberia in 1967 found a large meteorite. The meteorite was dominated by nickel-rich iron showing the distinctive Widmänstatten pattern, and was classified as an iron meteorite. Later expeditions uncovered a large strewn field, resulting in the recovery of many tons of meteorites. Surprisingly, many of the new finds showed the presence of distinctive honey-brown to green crystals of gemmy peridot. This meteorite is in fact a pallasite, and hence is much rarer than an iron meteorite. It is one of the largest pallasite strewn fields on Earth. Seymchan is a stunningly beautiful meteorite, the gemmy peridot crystals run the spectrum from nearly brown to emerald green. The Seymchan strewn field is hundreds of kilometers from the nearest settlement and is only accessible via helicopter. Expeditions to the site are only possible for about one month per year due to the harsh Siberian weather. Seymchan is extremely stable. For that reason, it has been used extensively in jewelry production, which has consumed a large amount of the material. The last several expeditions produced very few finds and, due to the high cost of each expedition, it is unlikely that more will be undertaken. It is now almost impossible to find large pieces of the Seymchan pallasite on the market, and as a result, prices have risen dramatically.

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.
295 mm x 225 mm x 90 mm (1112 x 878 x 312 in.)
8.9kg.
Special notice
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.
Brought to you by
James HyslopHead of Department, Science & Natural History
A Christie's specialist may contact you to discuss this lot or to notify you if the condition changes prior to the sale.View condition report

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