Seymchan Pallasite Meteorite Slice

This amazing meteorite slice comes from the Seymchan Pallasite Meteorite found in the Magadan Oblast Region of Russia. It contains the perfect blend of metallic elements and gorgeous crystals of gem Olivine called Peridot. You can see the lovely gold and green glow of the Peridot crystals when backlit (see photos for details).

The main mass of Seymchan meteorite, which was almost 600 lbs was discovered in 1967 by a Geologist performing a survey in a nearby creek bed. A few months later, a second specimen weighting approximately 100 lbs. was located about 20 meters away. At this time, only metal-based specimens were recovered, and therefore classified as an IIE (iron 2E meteorite). 

In the early 2000's an important discovery occurred at this site, including an additional approx. 100 lbs of material. With these new specimens, it was discovered that the meteorite specimens also included Olivine crystals! This subsequently changed the designation of the Seymchan meteorite to a Pallasite Meteorite in 2007. 

One theory as to how both varieties (metal only and Olivine-included) both occurred from this meteorite, is that as the original mass of material was coming through our atmosphere, sections were sheared off at the nickel-iron / Olivine crystal borders. This may explain why some areas of the Seymchan meteorite recovered only display nickel-iron and the others contain Olivine crystals.

The intricate criss-crossing patterns called Widmanstatten formations or Thomson structures are figures of long nickel-iron crystals found in some, but not all, meteorites. It is a mixture of interweaving Kamacite (native iron) and Taenite bands or ribbons called lamellae. It is believed extremely slow cooling (potentially millions of years) allowed these metal alloys to form this intricate inter-growth. The pattern is further revealed when meteorite specimens like this piece are cut, polished and acid-etched. 

The meteorite specimen shown here is displayed on a magnetic stand which is sold separately.

Approx:  8.6 grams, 3 cm x 2 cm

Need a display stand?

We recommend adding Stand M1 to your cart, it is a special magnet stand perfect for displaying meteorites!

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