SAN JUAN - ORIENTED "HEAT SHIELD" METEORITE. ...

Description

SAN JUAN - ORIENTED "HEAT SHIELD" METEORITE
Ordinary chondrite L5
Taltal, Antofagasta, Chile
The San Juan strewnfield in Chile's Atacama Desert was featured in a fan-favorite second season episode of the television show Meteorite Men. Following a lengthy search, the show's stars found only a single meteorite, but it was a spectacular one. Exhibiting good fusion crust, distinct orientation, and a very well defined rollover lip, this actual meteorite was found on camera and featured in that episode. The stone was classified by Dr. Mike Zolensky of NASA's Johnson Flight Center. A few slices were removed for classification and study, and the remaining piece is described as the "main mass" - the largest extant piece of a single meteorite. This unearthly stone possesses a lovely smooth black fusion crust coming to a distinct point and is covered with gently undulating flow lines. The sliced face has been polished to reveal the densely patterned interior of chondrules, a lovely warm red-brown color sparkling with silvery inclusions. The exterior is further enlivened by some gentle regmaglypts and fissures, and one end opposite the oriented point is naturally flattened allowing for straightforward display. A fine and aesthetic specimen, it measures approximately 4 1/8 x 3 x 1 7/8 inches, 638.7 grams, and an original photograph of this San Juan stone meteorite was featured in Meteorite Hunting: How To Find Treasure From Space, written by Geoff Notkin. A signed copy of the book accompanies this lot, as does a DVD copy (not available for sale) of the television episode in which this unique meteorite was found.

Discovered by Steve Arnold and Geoff Notkin while filming The Science Channel's award-winning series Meteorite Men.

*Heritage Auctions strives to provide as much information as possible but encourages in-person inspection by bidders. Statements regarding the condition of objects are only for general guidance and should not be relied upon as complete statements of fact, and do not constitute a representation, warranty or assumption of liability by Heritage. Some condition issues may not be noted in the condition report but are apparent in the provided photos which are considered part of the condition report. Please note that we do not de-frame lots estimated at $1,000 or less and may not be able to provide additional details for lots valued under $500. Heritage does not guarantee the condition of frames and shall not be liable for any damage/scratches to frames, glass/acrylic coverings, original boxes, display accessories, or art that has slipped in frames. All lots are sold "AS IS" under the Terms & Conditions of Auction.