Fukang Meteorite — Rectilinear Section Of The Most Beautiful Extraterrestrial Substance Known
This rectangular block features a mosaic of sparkling olivine and peridot in a gleaming iron-nickel matrix polished to a mirror finish. A signature characteristic of Fukang is the size of the crystals, and this particular specimen contains crystals as large as 32 mm. (1.25 in.). This is a select sample of the most beautiful extraterrestrial material known. Modern cutting and polishing.
64 x 64 x 42 mm. (2.5 x 2.5 x 1.66 in.) 921.9 g. (2.0 lbs.)
Pallasites are not only rare, representing less than 0.2% of all known meteorites, they are also widely considered the most beautiful extraterrestrial substance known—and samples of Fukang are among the most coveted. This offering was rendered from unadulterated Fukang matrix. Recovered in China’s Gobi Desert, this extraordinary meteorite contains some of the largest and most translucent crystals of any pallasite. Comprised of approximately 50% olivine and peridot (gem-quality olivine) crystals suspended in 50% nickel-iron, main-group pallasites originated from the mantle-core boundary of an asteroid that broke apart after an enormously energetic collision with another asteroid.
The pallasite appellation for this meteorite class is in honor of the German scientist, Peter Simon Pallas, who while traveling through Siberia, examined the first pallasitic mass in the early 1770s. This is an honor Pallas is fortunate to have received, for he believed the unusual specimen he examined could not possibly have come from outer space. The seeming mosaic of extraterrestrial gems suspended in its polished metallic matrix contrasts vividly with the clean lines delimiting its form. Destined to be a conversation piece in any room it inhabits, this is a sample of the interface of the mantle and core of an asteroid.
Christie's would like to thank Dr. Alan E. Rubin at the Institute of Geophysics and Planetary Physics, University of California, Los Angeles for his assistance in preparing this catalogue note.