As seen from its cut faces, this elongated end piece is packed with a galaxy of chondrules and other inclusions. It is extremely fresh; very little weathering is in evidence. A warm-hued variegated fusion crust wraps the reverse.
7¼ x 3 x ½in. (185 x 77 x 14mm.)
466g.

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Conditions of Sale
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Lot Essay

Los Vientos 171 is a member of a very select club: researchers have determined it belongs to the 3.1 subtype which makes it among the most primitive planetary matter known. In 2016 Los Vientos 171 was recovered by Polish meteorite hunters near Antofagasta, Chile in the Atacoma—the highest desert on Earth. Of the tens of thousands of chondritic meteorites known to exist (meteorites which contain silica-rich spherules). Specifically, unlike 99% of all meteorites, the constituents of this meteorite are almost unchanged since their origins in the early solar nebula when its constituents first precipitated out of the cloud from which our solar system formed. It escaped the heating that results from pressure and radiation and it retained its primitive texture and composition. Prior to the discovery of Los Vientos 171, less than 40 kg of similarly primitive planetary material was known to exist.Devoutly sought-after by scientists, such unmetamorphosed, primitive meteorites reveal the raw ingredients of the planets.

Post Lot Text

This lot has been imported from outside the EU 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 the invoice. Please see the Conditions of Sale for further information.