MORASKO METEORITE — A CAPTIVATING PARTIAL SLICE OF A METEORITE - photo 1

MORASKO METEORITE — A CAPTIVATING PARTIAL SLICE OF A METEORITE

Lot 32
28.03.2023 11:00UTC -04:00
Classic
Sold
$ 1 260
AuctioneerCHRISTIE'S
Event locationUSA, New York
Archive
The auction is completed. No bids can be placed anymore.
Archive
ID 927023
Lot 32 | MORASKO METEORITE — A CAPTIVATING PARTIAL SLICE OF A METEORITE
Estimate value
$ 400 – 600
This partial slice was cut from a different Morasko meteorite than the previous lot but is exceedingly similar. If the previous lot were cut, its crystalline pattern would be akin to the pattern now seen.

The crystalline pattern seen is diagnostic in the identification of iron meteorites as extremely slow cooling over millions of years is required for the molecules of the two alloys, kamacite and taenite, to crystallize into the lattice now seen; such slow cooling can only occur in the cores of asteroids (and presumably planets). Given the different reflectivity of the two alloys, twisting the sample will result in the specimen appearing to shimmer. While the patterns of most iron meteorites will do the same (see lots 10, 26 and 53), few will do so as dramatically as Morasko, particularly this example. This partial slice features two edges of the meteorite’s natural exterior surface. A large sulfide nodule is perched at the lower left margin. A ribbon of schreibersite at the left-center adds to the abstract aesthetic. Schreibersite is rarely seen on Earth, and numerous researchers believe schreibersite — conveyed to Earth billions of years ago via repeated asteroid impacts — may have provided some of the phosphorus to our planet to enable life.

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.

51 x 57 x 6mm (2 x 2.25 x 0.25 in.) and 127.8 grams (0.25 lbs)
Category:Meteorite
Address of auction CHRISTIE'S
20 Rockefeller Plaza
10020 New York
USA
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28.03.2023
27.03.2023
Phone +1 212 636 2000
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