mineral
Pallasite Meteorite (Sliced and Polished)
Pallasite (Iron-Nickel Matrix with Olivine crystals)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 6.5-7 (olivine) / 4-5 (metal). Color: Metallic silver with translucent yellow-green crystals. Luster: Metallic matrix, vitreous crystals. Structure: Orthorhombic olivine in an octahedral nickel-iron matrix. Specific gravity: 4.8-7.5.
- Hardness
- 6
- Color
- Metallic silver with translucent yellow-green crystals
- Luster
- Metallic matrix, vitreous crystals
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6.5-7 (olivine) / 4-5 (metal). Color: Metallic silver with translucent yellow-green crystals. Luster: Metallic matrix, vitreous crystals. Structure: Orthorhombic olivine in an octahedral nickel-iron matrix. Specific gravity: 4.8-7.5.
Formation & geological history
Formed at the core-mantle boundary of differentiated asteroids approximately 4.5 billion years ago. These are rare stony-iron meteorites that represent a mix of planetary core metal and mantle silicates.
Uses & applications
High-end scientific study, luxury jewelry (sliced for pendants), and investment-grade museum or private collecting.
Geological facts
Pallasites are among the rarest meteorites, accounting for less than 1% of all known meteorite falls. The olivine crystals in pallasites are essentially space-borne peridot gems.
Field identification & locations
Identify by the 'Widmanstätten' pattern in the etched metal and the distinctive suspended green/gold olivine crystals. Found globally in impact sites; famous sources include Brenham (USA), Esquel (Argentina), and Fukang (China).
