Iron, coarse octahedrite – IAB-MG Gran Chaco, Argentina (27°28' S, 60°35' W)

Details

SILICATED CAMPO DEL CIELO METEORITE END PIECE
Iron, coarse octahedrite – IAB-MG
Gran Chaco, Argentina (27°28' S, 60°35' W)
Large angular inclusions compositionally and chemically chondritic in nature (in effect, fragments of a stone meteorite) are seen in the cut and polished face within the metallic matrix. The external surface is somewhat nodular as a result of the different compositions of the silicate and iron-nickel — the two primary materials of which the meteorite is composed. Modern cutting.
147 x 79 x 33mm (5¾ x 3 x 1¼in.)
912g

Literature

Park, F., Bunch, T., & Massalski, T. (1966), “A study of the silicate inclusions and other phases in the Campo del Cielo meteorite.” Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 30(4), 399.

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

While most Campo del Cielo meteorites contain occasional silicate inclusions, the specimen now offered contains an abundance of such inclusions and was, as a result, initially believed to be a completely different meteorite that happened to fall within the Campo strewnfield. However, this is a Campo; its chemical signature matches those of other Campos very closely. The penetrating threads of metal are the result of a massive shock event in interplanetary space.

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