Genuine Sikhote - Alin meteorite
Excellent example of an "individual" with bold "thumbprints"
You are bidding on a meteorite with the following specifications:
- Weight: 12,7g
- Chemical class: Coarsest octahedrite, Ogg. Widmanstatten bandwidth 9 + 5mm.
- Mineral components in percentage: Fe 93.32%, Ni 6.00%, Co 0.47%, Cu 0.03%, P 0.28%, S <0.01%
- Card indicating specimen came from the Hup'e Collection
- PDF e-booklet with more detail on the Sikhote - Alin fall as well as historical photos.
The Sikhote - Alin meteorite fall is very special, as it was one of very few large, witnessed meteorite falls in historic time. It fell to earth as violent fireballs at 10:38 local time on the morning of Feb. 12, 1947 in the Sikhote - Alin region of Eastern Siberia (Russia). It has been estimated that the meteorite entered earth's atmosphere at a velocity of over 45 000 km/hr. The impact could be felt 160 km away.
Witnesses said that it initially looked like a bright star, but soon turned into a dazzling fireball, which rapidly crossed the sky north to south, leaving a boiling trail of meteoroid particles.
There are 2 distinct types of meteorite from this impact site:
- The first type consists of explosive fragments, or shrapnel, having a ragged shape.
- The second, which is highly prized by collectors and meteorite hunters are those referred to as "individuals". The meteorite you are bidding on is from this class. These decended on their own, as can be evidenced by regmaglypts or "thumb prints" which form as the atmosphere vaporises and warps them by high speed friction.
Quality Sikhote - Alin meteorites, especially those with thumbprints are becoming exceedingly rare, and are a great investment. Specimens such as this one, usually sell in excess of $100, and i have noticed a steady climb, year on year
About me:
Most will know me as a horticulturist, but my other passion is collecting meteorites. It's a fascinating hobby, and there is something that you can't help but get hooked on. It's incredible, to hold in your hands, something that came from outer space... It also doubles as a great investment, which is a bonus, but not my main motivation.
All meteorites that i sell have been prized pieces that i have treasured, so you can be assured that you will receive a specimen that i have considered more than worthy. I only release a piece for auction, when I update my personal collection.
