Pallasite – PALChubut, Argentina (42° 54'S, 71° 20'W)

Details

ONE OF MOST BEAUTIFUL METEORITES IN THE WORLD, ESQUEL
Pallasite – PAL
Chubut, Argentina (42° 54'S, 71° 20'W)
A large partial slice with highly translucent crystals of olivine and peridot suspended in a nickel-iron matrix.
144 x 129 x 3mm (5 2/3 x 5 x 1/8in.)
314g

Literature

Ulff-Moller, F., Choi, B.-G., Rubin, A. E., Tran, J. and Wasson, J. T. (1998), “Paucity of sulfide in a large slab of Esquel: New perspectives on pallasite formation.“ Meteoritics & Planetary Science, 33(2) 221–227.

Special notice

These lots have been imported from outside the EU for sale using a Temporary Import regime. Import VAT is payable (at 5%) on the Hammer price. VAT is also payable (at 20%) on the buyer’s Premium on a VAT inclusive basis. When a buyer of such a lot has registered an EU address but wishes to export the lot or complete the import into another EU country, he must advise Christie's immediately after the auction.

Lot Essay

Pallasites are among the most aesthetically dazzling meteorites in the world and, much like Imilac, Esquel is among the most coveted. Esquel’s crystals were not heavily shocked; as a result it showcases translucent forest-green to amber olivine crystals suspended in an iron-nickel matrix. This specimen also contains facet-grade olivine or peridot (the semi-precious birthstone of August). With one edge of fusion crust, this partial slice embodies Esquel’s most alluring qualities. Indeed, small specimens of Esquel were the first pallasite to be utilized in modern jewelry. It is worth noting that the giant complete slice of Esquel on display at the American Museum of Natural History’s Rose Center for Earth & Space has a Macovich Collection provenance — as does this estimable example.

More from Meteorites

View All