12th Mar, 2025 10:00
The Fine Collectors Sale
Meteorite, Sericho Pallasite, 550g
Sericho Pallasite meteorite cut and polished to expose the olivine crystals, weight 550g, with old wooden stand for display
The Meteorite Sericho Pallasite: A Cosmic Jewel - The Sericho meteorite, classified as a pallasite, is one of the most captivating specimens in the world of meteoritics. Discovered in 2016 near the village of Habaswein in Kenya, Sericho represents a window into the deep history of our solar system, dating back billions of years to its formation.
Pallasites are a rare type of stony-iron meteorite, composed of a stunning mixture of metallic nickel-iron and gem-quality olivine crystals, which are often peridot, a precious gemstone. Sericho stands out among pallasites due to its incredible abundance of olivine, ranging in colors from a rich golden yellow to deep green.
The origins of pallasites, including Sericho, are thought to lie at the core-mantle boundary of an ancient asteroid. These meteorites are believed to have formed during violent collisions that broke apart differentiated asteroids early in the solar system's history. The metallic matrix represents the asteroid’s core, while the olivine crystals hail from the mantle.
What makes Sericho particularly unique is its large size and relatively recent discovery. Its specimens were scattered across a broad desert expanse, where local nomadic tribes had been aware of the unusual rocks for decades but did not understand their extraterrestrial origin. Upon scientific identification, Sericho quickly gained attention for its remarkable composition and aesthetic appeal.
Sold for £1,150
Result including buyers premium
Sericho Pallasite meteorite cut and polished to expose the olivine crystals, weight 550g, with old wooden stand for display
The Meteorite Sericho Pallasite: A Cosmic Jewel - The Sericho meteorite, classified as a pallasite, is one of the most captivating specimens in the world of meteoritics. Discovered in 2016 near the village of Habaswein in Kenya, Sericho represents a window into the deep history of our solar system, dating back billions of years to its formation.
Pallasites are a rare type of stony-iron meteorite, composed of a stunning mixture of metallic nickel-iron and gem-quality olivine crystals, which are often peridot, a precious gemstone. Sericho stands out among pallasites due to its incredible abundance of olivine, ranging in colors from a rich golden yellow to deep green.
The origins of pallasites, including Sericho, are thought to lie at the core-mantle boundary of an ancient asteroid. These meteorites are believed to have formed during violent collisions that broke apart differentiated asteroids early in the solar system's history. The metallic matrix represents the asteroid’s core, while the olivine crystals hail from the mantle.
What makes Sericho particularly unique is its large size and relatively recent discovery. Its specimens were scattered across a broad desert expanse, where local nomadic tribes had been aware of the unusual rocks for decades but did not understand their extraterrestrial origin. Upon scientific identification, Sericho quickly gained attention for its remarkable composition and aesthetic appeal.
Auction: The Fine Collectors Sale, 12th Mar, 2025
