Jewels from Space Pallasite Meteorite Slice
Kenya 2016.
Pallasites are a rare and striking type of meteorite, widely regarded as some of the most beautiful extraterrestrial materials discovered to date. The silicate crystals are formed at the boundary of the stony mantle and molten iron core of an asteroid that shattered following an impact with another asteroid. Owing to this unique formation process, pallasites are exceptionally rare, representing less than 0.2% of all known meteorites.
One remarkable example is the Sericho pallasite meteorite, which was officially discovered in 2016 when large masses were purchased from villagers in Isiolo County, Kenya. Yet the meteorite had been known to the local people long before then. Older villagers still recount stories of the unusual stones they encountered as children, long before their true extraterrestrial origin was understood.
This particularly clean slice of Sericho pallasite, showcases an exceptionally clear olivine crystals set within the metallic matrix. When light passes through, the crystals exhibit stunning luminous effects, glowing with a warm, gem-like brilliance that highlights the unique beauty of this rare meteorite type.
