Imilac meteorite

Cross-Section of the Imilac Meteorite circa 4.5 Billion y/o.

This cross-sectional slice from the Imilac meteorite has been cut to reveal shimmering olivine and peridot gems embedded in an iron-nickel metallic matrix. The magnificent honeycomb pattern shown here is characteristic of pallasite meteorites, of which Imilac is among the finest. It was found in 1822 in the Atacama desert and is notable for its concentration of high-quality olivine.

Dating to the formation of our solar system, pallasites are fragments of an asteroid which, like our own planet, was large enough to undergo differentiation, splitting into a mantle and a core. Originating from the transitional core-mantle boundary, they were set free by a large collision which propelled them out of the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter and into an Earth-bound orbit. As well as being extraordinarily beautiful they are scientifically invaluable, helping us to understand the formation and structure of our planet, whose core is made of the same iron and nickel.

16 x 26 cm Height on stand: 30 cm

Published:

Buchwald, Vagn F. Handbook of Iron Meteorites. University of California Press, 1975.

ArtAncient, Extraterrestrial, 2022

Price

£35000.00

This object is eligible for a Certificate of BADA Provenance