Pallasite Meteorite
Iron-Nickel Matrix with Forsterite Olivine (Stony-Iron Meteorite) · Meteoritic Material / Collector Mineral / Rare Specimen
Crystal System
Orthorhombic for Olivite crystals; Isometric/Cubic for iron-nickel matrix. Habit is typically an interlocking breccia-like structure.
Mineral Group
Stony-Iron Meteorites (Magmatic Pallasite Group)
Chemical Formula
(Mg, Fe)2SiO4 (Olivine inclusions) within Fe-Ni (Kamacite and Taenite alloy matrix)
Formation Process
Igneous/Extra-terrestrial. Formed by magmatic differentiation where silicate minerals (olivine) crystallized and became suspended in a molten metallic iron-nickel core.
About This Crystal
The specimen features translucent to opaque olive-green or amber-colored olivine (peridot) crystals embedded within a solid, silvery-dark grey metallic matrix. The luster ranges from vitreous for the crystals to metallic for the matrix.
Physical Characteristics
Color: Gold-green to brown crystals in a grey metal matrix. Streak: Grey/Black for metal, white for olivine. Cleavage: Poor. Fracture: Conchoidal (olivine). Specific Gravity: 4.5 - 7.0. Brittle crystals in a ductile/malleable matrix. Magnetism: Strong.
Optical Properties
Olivine crystals are doubly refractive with a high refractive index (1.635-1.690). They may show pleochroism. The metal matrix is opaque. Slices often show Widmanstätten patterns if etched.
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
Notable sources include Russia (Seymchan), USA (Brenham, Kansas), and Argentina (Esquel); formed at the core-mantle boundary of differentiated asteroids.
Hardness & Durability
Olivine hardness: 6.5 - 7.0 Mohs; Iron matrix: 4.0 - 5.0 Mohs. High toughness for the metal, but olivine crystals can be prone to cracking due to thermal shock.
Care & Maintenance
Highly susceptible to oxidation (rust). Keep in a dry, low-humidity environment with silica gel. Clean only with anhydrous alcohol; avoid water and ultrasonic cleaners. May benefit from a thin coating of mineral oil.
Rarity & Value
Extremely Rare (Pallasites represent less than 1% of known meteorites). Value determined by olivine clarity, matrix stability, and total weight. Prices range from $10 to $100+ per gram.
Special Characteristics
Transparent 'Space Peridot' inclusions; Widmanstätten patterning in metal; highly magnetic; extra-terrestrial origin containing minerals from the early solar system.
Lore & History
Historically viewed as 'messengers from the heavens.' In metaphysical traditions, they are believed to connect one to cosmic consciousness and universal energy. They are primary scientific tools for understanding the internal structure of planetary bodies.