This is a complete slice of a meteorite with extraterrestrial gems. This ellipsoidal complete slice features olivine clusters on three sides. A thick band of metal courses through the center to the fourth side, resulting in an aesthetic presentation. On one surface, the metallic matrix has been etched and a robust medium octahedral crystalline pattern that is the signature for Seymchan meteorites is in evidence. The space between the olivine clusters provides a terrific look at the metallic crystalline array. The reverse surface has been polished to a mirror finish. Originating from a shattered asteroid, this is a select specimen of a transitional pallasitic meteorite. Modern cutting.
233 x 171 x 3 mm. (9 x 6.75 x 0.1 in.)

592.2 g. (1.33 lbs.)

Pallasites are not only rare, representing less than 0.2% of all known meteorites, they are also widely considered the most beautiful alien substance known. Like all pallasitic meteorites, Seymchan originated at the mantle/core boundary of an asteroid that blasted apart following an apocalyptic collision with another asteroid. The crystals seen here are the result of small chunks of the stony mantle becoming suspended in the molten metal of the core. Cut and polished, the lustrous metallic matrix features crystals of gleaming olivine ranging in hues from emerald to amber. The prominent latticework referred to as a Widmanstätten pattern is indicative of a slow cooling rate that provided sufficient time—millions of years—for the two primary metallic alloys to orient into their crystalline structure. This feature is a diagnostic in the identification of an iron meteorite. Different iron meteorites have different patterns due to their different nickel contents and different cooling rates.

It was in the 1960s that the first masses of Seymchan were found in a streambed in a part of Siberia made infamous as the remote location of Stalin’s gulags. Identified as meteorites, they were named Seymchan for a nearby town. Unlike most pallasites, the dispersion of olivine crystals in Seymchan is extremely heterogeneous. Some specimens are olivine rich and some are olivine poor; some specimens have no olivine whatsoever. The example now offered exhibits discrete clusters of olivine and its gem-quality counterpart, peridot, in select areas of the specimen. It is referred to as being “transitional”, and we believe the specimen provides the most beguiling attributes of both iron and stony-iron meteorites.

Christie's would like to thank Dr. Alan E. Rubin at the Institute of Geophysics and Planetary Physics, University of California, Los Angeles for his assistance in preparing this catalogue note.