EXTRATERRESTRIAL GEMS IN PARTIAL SLICE OF ESQUEL PALLASITE — THE MOST BEAUTIFUL OTHERWORLDLY SUBSTANCE KNOWN - photo 1
EXTRATERRESTRIAL GEMS IN PARTIAL SLICE OF ESQUEL PALLASITE — THE MOST BEAUTIFUL OTHERWORLDLY SUBSTANCE KNOWN - photo 2
EXTRATERRESTRIAL GEMS IN PARTIAL SLICE OF ESQUEL PALLASITE — THE MOST BEAUTIFUL OTHERWORLDLY SUBSTANCE KNOWN - photo 3

EXTRATERRESTRIAL GEMS IN PARTIAL SLICE OF ESQUEL PALLASITE — THE MOST BEAUTIFUL OTHERWORLDLY SUBSTANCE KNOWN

Lot 11
06.04.2022 14:00UTC +00:00
Classic
Sold
£ 27 720
AuctioneerCHRISTIE'S
Event locationUnited Kingdom, London
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ID 737500
Lot 11 | EXTRATERRESTRIAL GEMS IN PARTIAL SLICE OF ESQUEL PALLASITE — THE MOST BEAUTIFUL OTHERWORLDLY SUBSTANCE KNOWN
Estimate value
£ 20 000 – 30 000
This slice beautifully displays crystals of olivine and peridot suspended in the metallic matrix. This is a splendid representation of some of the most beautiful extraterrestrial materials known. Modern cutting, 4-mm thick so that when backlit it shows a kaleidoscope of transparent yellow-green-orange peridot gems characteristic of this unique pallasite.

The Esquel meteorite is considered to be the “Queen of the Pallasites” due to its stunning large emerald-green olivine crystals, many of which are gem-quality. Indeed, thousands of these crystals have been plucked out of slices and faceted into extraterrestrial peridot gemstones. Peridot (Olivine) is the August birthstone. This meteorite is stable, meaning it doesn’t oxidize or rust easily, thus making it desirable for jewelry pieces and collectors. The Esquel meteorite was a single large 755-kilogram mass. Over the last decade or so, this single mass has since been repeatedly cut and sliced with many pieces ending up in museums and private collections – as such, few large pieces are available for the collector today.

Christie's would like to thank Dr. Alan E. Rubin at the Department of Earth, Planetary, and Space Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles for his assistance in preparing this catalogue.
260 mm x 230 mm x 4 mm (101/4 x 9 x 1/8 in.)
918g.
Address of auction CHRISTIE'S
8 King Street, St. James's
SW1Y 6QT London
United Kingdom
Preview
23.03.2022 – 06.04.2022
Phone +44 (0)20 7839 9060
Email
4FQ.AYGKAGLUQ@FO3G@
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