Brahin Pallasites For Sale

The Brahin pallasite is a particularly beautiful pallasite with a very high peridot content, as high as 80% in some specimens. It was first discovered in 1807 near the village of Ljady in eastern Belarus. Additional pieces were discovered in 1968 and in 2002 from a 15-kilometer long strewn field. An estimated 1,000 kilograms in total of this pallasite have been collected.

Try the parent category

Pallasite Meteorites

$12 - $17,500

The Brahin Pallasite And The Fascinating World Of Pallasite Meteorites

Meteorites have long captivated scientists and collectors alike, offering tangible glimpses into the mysteries of our universe. Among the rarest and most beautiful types are the pallasites, stony-iron meteorites that contain brilliant olivine crystals suspended within a metallic matrix. One of the most famous examples of this type is the Brahin Pallasite, a stunning and scientifically significant meteorite found in Belarus.

Pallasites are a unique blend of silicate minerals and metallic iron-nickel. These meteorites are believed to have formed at the boundary between the core and mantle of differentiated asteroids, which are celestial bodies that underwent melting and separation into layers early in the solar system's history. As these asteroids collided with one another, fragments of their core-mantle boundary region were dislodged and eventually made their way through space to reach Earth as meteorites.

The term "pallasite" comes from Peter Pallas, a German naturalist who first documented the Krasnojarsk meteorite, another famous pallasite, in 1772. Pallasites account for only about 1% of meteorite finds, making them extremely rare and prized among collectors and scientists. Their unique composition offers insights into planetary differentiation and the conditions within early planetary bodies.

The Brahin Pallasite: A Gem of Belarus

Discovered in 1810 in the Gomel region of Belarus, the Brahin Pallasite is one of the oldest and most well-known pallasite finds. It consists of a nickel-iron matrix embedded with large olivine crystals, which are often gem-quality and range in color from light amber to deep green. These olivine crystals, also known as peridot when used in jewelry, can become almost transparent when polished, creating a dazzling contrast against the metallic matrix.

The Brahin Pallasite has yielded specimens that are particularly prized for their aesthetic beauty. When sliced and polished, Brahin specimens reveal a mosaic of translucent olivine crystals set in a bright, silvery iron-nickel background. This combination of colors and textures makes the Brahin Pallasite highly sought after, not only by collectors but also by jewelers who sometimes incorporate slices of pallasite into luxury designs.

Formation and Composition: A Cosmic Mystery

The exact process by which pallasites formed is still a subject of scientific debate. The widely accepted hypothesis is that pallasites formed within asteroids, between their metallic cores and rocky mantles. As molten metal from the core mixed with silicate minerals from the mantle, it created a unique structure with pockets of olivine crystals embedded in an iron-nickel framework.

Each pallasite meteorite, including Brahin, offers scientists a snapshot of these early planetary processes, giving clues about how heat and pressure conditions within asteroids facilitated core formation and differentiation. The composition of the iron-nickel metal in pallasites is similar to that found in other iron meteorites, suggesting a common origin in the metallic core of a differentiated body. However, the presence of olivine crystals makes pallasites distinct from other meteorite types and more closely resembles the structure of Earth’s own mantle-core boundary.

Why Are Pallasites So Rare?

There are several reasons why pallasites are among the rarest meteorites:

Formation Conditions: Pallasites are thought to form in the specific boundary region between the core and mantle of differentiated asteroids. Since only a small portion of an asteroid’s volume occupies this boundary zone, pallasites make up a tiny fraction of any given asteroid.

Destruction During Impact: The violent processes involved in asteroid collisions often destroy the boundary region, making it difficult for pallasite fragments to survive the impact and ejection into space.

Survival Through Earth’s Atmosphere: Even if pallasites survive the initial ejection from their parent bodies, they must endure the intense heat and pressure of entering Earth’s atmosphere. Only the most resilient specimens reach the ground intact.

The Aesthetic Appeal of Brahin and Other Pallasites

One of the unique qualities of the Brahin Pallasite and other pallasites is their breathtaking beauty. Pallasites are often sliced and polished, revealing the inner crystal-metal matrix that seems almost otherworldly. Collectors prize these specimens, and some even use thin slices of pallasite in jewelry, creating stunning pendants or rings with embedded olivine crystals.

The Brahin Pallasite stands out for its exceptional olivine crystals, which range in size and quality but are often gem-grade. When light passes through the thin slices of olivine, they appear to glow, exhibiting shades of green and amber that create an ethereal effect. This visual appeal, combined with the rarity of pallasites, has made them highly desirable for collectors and gem enthusiasts alike.