A SEYMCHAN METEORITE SPHERE — AN EXTRATERRESTRIAL CRYSTAL BALL 

Less than 0.2% of all meteorites are pallasites, the most beautiful extraterrestrial substance known, and the following three lots represent different presentations: a sphere, a sectional end piece and a complete slice. All pallasites are formed at the core-mantle boundary of an asteroid that underwent mixing of molten metal from the core with olivine from the mantle. The result is olivine crystals in suspension in an iron-nickel matrix. Many, including the following three examples, also contain gem-quality olivine referred to as peridot (birthstone of August).

Seymchan meteorites are found in the Magadan district of Siberia—the location of Stalin’s infamous gulags. The first two masses were found in a streambed by geologists in the 1960s. Most Seymchan meteorites are non-descript, prosaic masses until they are cut to reveal their internal splendor. To make a sphere of this size requires a mass nearly three times that of the sphere, as large amounts of material are lost during the grinding and polishing processes. With crystals of olivine suspended in its nickel iron matrix, this
is a select example of the most dazzling of all meteorites and can rightfully be considered an otherworldly crystal ball.