Allende Meteorite Slice & Vial. Carbonaceous Chondrite, CV3. Pueblito de Allende, Chihuahua, Mexico - (26° 58'N, 105° ... (Total: 4 Items)

Description

Allende Meteorite Slice & Vial
Carbonaceous Chondrite, CV3
Pueblito de Allende, Chihuahua, Mexico - (26° 58'N, 105° 19'W)
Witnessed Fall: February 8, 1969, 7h05m GMT

This offering contains not only an important full slice of the incredible Allende Meteorite but also a vial of dust and official NASA headshots of researcher Dr. Elbert King. Allende represents the witnessed fall that occurred at night in Chihuahua, Mexico, in 1969. Often referred to as the "most studied meteorite in history" in large part due to Dr. King's efforts. Dr. King designed the Lunar Receiving Lab for NASA in the era of the Apollo missions, and the meteorite specialist traveled immediately from Houston to the location in Mexico as soon as he heard of the fall in the hope of recovering some samples. All the work performed by King over the years, including trading pieces with other researchers, resulted in Allende being so well studied. King's adventure with Allende is chronicled in his enjoyable memoir Moon Trip. Allende material stands alone for many reasons, including it contains Calcium Aluminum Inclusions, or CAIs, which are believed to be 4.6 billion years old, the same age as our solar system, and microscopic diamonds thought to be the oldest remnants of an exploding sun some 12 billion years ago predating our solar system by billions of years and thus by far as the oldest material a human has ever touched. This slab is relatively thick and weighs 110.6 grams with a classic dull charcoal coloration and "classic" white CAI spots of various sizes and shapes throughout the CV3 Carbonaceous Chondrite. The vial for study and the vintage black and white photos of Dr. King from his estate makes this offering very special.
Measurements: 4.41 x 3.14 x 0.25 inches (11.20 x 7.98 x 0.63 cm), weighs 110.6 & 4.77 grams

Provenance: Ex. Dr. Elbert King Collection, The Geoff Notkin Collection

*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.