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SERICHO PALLASITE METEORITES FOR SALE
Sericho pallasite has well-rounded, gemmy olivine crystals crystals varying in color from green to orange. Often the metal-rich areas of the Sericho pallasite show well-developed Widmanstätten patterns. One unique aspect of the Sericho pallasite is its particularly high olivine crystal density, as high as 70-80% in many specimens. It is quite attractive, particularly when sliced thin enough for the olivine crystals to be translucent, and is very popular among collectors.
What Is A Pallasite Meteorite?
Pallasites are a rare subclass of stony-iron meteorites believed to originate from the boundary between the metal-rich core and rocky mantle of differentiated asteroids or protoplanets that were shattered in collisions during the early solar system. These meteorites have a distinctive composition, consisting of a combination of silicate minerals and metallic iron-nickel. The silicate minerals typically include the greenish mineral olivine, which is embedded in a metallic iron-nickel matrix. The olivine crystals in pallasites can be quite large and often translucent, giving them a unique and striking appearance due to the contrast between the greenish olivine and the metallic matrix.
Pallasites often exhibit an octahedral structure, where olivine crystals are arranged in a geometric pattern resembling an octahedron. This pattern results from the slow cooling process within the parent body from which they originated. These meteorites are considered extremely rare, comprising only a small fraction of all meteorites found on Earth. Their unique composition and aesthetic appeal make them highly valued by both collectors and researchers.
The origin of pallasites is believed to be at the core-mantle boundaries of differentiated asteroids or protoplanets. When these celestial bodies experienced violent collisions, fragments of the core and mantle mixed, leading to the formation of pallasites.
A 2017 photo showing villagers near Habaswein, Kenya recovering a large Sericho pallasite.
Important: Care Of Pallasites
Even more so than most iron meteorites, pallasites are susceptible to rusting and deterioration from moisture in the atmosphere. This is particularly important in areas with high humidity, such as Florida. All of the pallasite material we sell has been stabilized in some way, which will help with this issue but care still needs to be taken to keep your treasure in good condition. Store your pallasite in a dry, moisture-free dry environment, preferably with a corrosion inhibitor such as silica gel beads or a dehumidifier.
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