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Lot Essay
Pallasites are not only rare, representing less than 0.2% of all known meteorites, they are also widely considered the most beautiful extraterrestrial substance known—and samples of Fukang are among the most coveted. This slice is one of the largest cut from the Fukang main mass. Recovered in China’s Gobi Desert, this extraordinary meteorite contains some of the largest and most translucent crystals of any pallasite. Comprised of approximately 50% olivine and peridot (gem-quality olivine) crystals suspended in a nickel-iron matrix. Main-group pallasites originated from the mantle-core boundary of an asteroid formed 4.5 billion years ago in the early Solar System. During the early chaos of planetary collisions, that asteroid broke apart after an enormously energetic impact with another asteroid, before later falling to Earth in a fiery descent.
The pallasite appellation for this meteorite class is in honor of the German scientist, Peter Simon Pallas (1741-1811), who while traveling through Siberia, examined the first pallasitic mass in the early 1770s. This is an honour Pallas is fortunate to have received, for he believed the unusual specimen he examined could not possibly have come from outer space.
The seeming mosaic of extraterrestrial gems suspended in its polished metallic matrix contrasts vividly with the clean lines delimiting its form. A magnificent, otherworldly crystalline freeform dating to the birth of the solar system.
Christie's would like to thank Dr. Alan E. Rubin at the Department of Earth, Planetary, and Space Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles for his assistance in preparing this catalogue note.
The pallasite appellation for this meteorite class is in honor of the German scientist, Peter Simon Pallas (1741-1811), who while traveling through Siberia, examined the first pallasitic mass in the early 1770s. This is an honour Pallas is fortunate to have received, for he believed the unusual specimen he examined could not possibly have come from outer space.
The seeming mosaic of extraterrestrial gems suspended in its polished metallic matrix contrasts vividly with the clean lines delimiting its form. A magnificent, otherworldly crystalline freeform dating to the birth of the solar system.
Christie's would like to thank Dr. Alan E. Rubin at the Department of Earth, Planetary, and Space Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles for his assistance in preparing this catalogue note.