IMILAC - COMPLETE SLICE OF A METEORITE WITH SPACE GEMS. ...

Description

IMILAC - COMPLETE SLICE OF A METEORITE WITH SPACE GEMS
PAL - Pallasite
Atacama Desert, Chile
Pallasites are the most sought-after meteorites, and this select complete slice amply reveals why Imilac is among the most coveted. All pallasitic meteorites-which represent just 1% of all meteorites-originate from the mantle-core boundary of a planetary body that broke apart during the formation of our solar system (the remnants of which orbit the sun between Mars and Jupiter and are collectively referred to as the asteroid belt). The olivine crystals seen here are the result of small chunks of stony mantle becoming suspended in the planet's molten nickel-iron core. The cooling and crystallizing process in the vacuum of outer space requires more than one million years. Imilac occasionally contains-as does this dazzling complete slice-gem-quality olivine or peridot, the birthstone of August. This specimen also possesses a complete rim of fusion crust. Found in the Atacama Desert in Chile-the highest desert on Earth-the source material is now thoroughly excavated. It has recently become difficult to obtain complete slices of what is inarguably the most resplendent extraterrestrial material known to exist. 244 x 142 x 3 mm (9.5 x 5.5 x 0.1 inches) and 474 grams (1.0 pound).

Provenance: Macovich Collection.

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