mineral
Pallasite Meteorite
Pallasite (ST-class)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 5-7 (olivine/iron-nickel matrix); Color: golden yellow to translucent green olivine crystals in a metallic silver/grey matrix; Luster: Vitreous (crystals) to Metallic (matrix); Crystal structure: Orthorhombic olivine; Specific gravity: 4.5-5.0
- Hardness
- 5-7 (olivine/iron-nickel matrix)
- Luster
- Vitreous (crystals) to Metallic (matrix)
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Physical properties
Hardness: 5-7 (olivine/iron-nickel matrix); Color: golden yellow to translucent green olivine crystals in a metallic silver/grey matrix; Luster: Vitreous (crystals) to Metallic (matrix); Crystal structure: Orthorhombic olivine; Specific gravity: 4.5-5.0
Formation & geological history
Formed at the core-mantle boundary of differentiated asteroids approx. 4.5 billion years ago. They consist of olivine crystals suspended in an iron-nickel alloy matrix.
Uses & applications
Scientific research, high-end gemstone jewelry (peridot), and collector specimens.
Geological facts
Pallasites represent the most beautiful and sought-after of all meteorites. They are named after Peter Simon Pallas, who first described the Krasnoyarsk meteorite in 1772.
Field identification & locations
Identify by the presence of translucent 'windows' of olivine surrounded by a metal matrix. Often found using metal detectors or in known 'strewn fields' such as Esquel or Imilac.
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