Imilac Meteorite End Piece

Less than 0.2% of all meteorites are pallasites, a rare type of meteorite whose silicate components have crystallized into olivine and peridot. Like nearly all pallasitic meteorites, Imilac originated from the mantle-core boundary of an asteroid that broke apart during the early history of our solar system. The meteorite from which this slice was cut was found in the Atacama Desert atop the Andes, the highest desert on Earth. The crystals seen here are the result of small chunks of the asteroid's stony mantle becoming suspended in the molten metal of the asteroid's iron-nickel core. Cut and polished, the lustrous metallic matrix features translucent crystals of gleaming olivine and peridot (gem-quality olivine) with hues running from deep green to shimmering amber. The meteorite's uncut surface is comprised of previously molten olivine and metal — the result of frictional heating in Earth's atmosphere following its sojourn through the Solar System. This is a wonderful end piece from a preeminent pallasite, perhaps the most remarkable extraterrestrial substance known.

REFERENCES:

Meteoritical Bulletin Entry for Imilac