LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2008 January Signature Natural History #5000  / 

48337

AN ENORMOUS COMPLETE SLICE OF A GEMSTONE

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:125,000.00 USD Estimated At:150,000.00 - 180,000.00 USD
AN ENORMOUS COMPLETE SLICE OF A GEMSTONE
<B>AN ENORMOUS COMPLETE SLICE OF A GEMSTONE METEORITE</B></I><BR> <I>Stoney Iron, PAL (Pallasite)<BR>Fukang, Xinjiang Uygar, China</B></I><BR>So beautiful is the relatively recently-discovered Fukang meteorite, that at first scientist considered providing it with a new and separate classification. All pallasites, such as the Esquel and Imilac meteorites, are considered amongst the very finest meteorites to be had amongst collectors, but the gorgeous gem- like olivine crystals that dot the nickel-iron matrix of the Fukang are so significantly larger than those found in other pallasites that scientists were given pause for thought. None the less, it was classified with the Main Group of pallasites, and widely acknowledged to be the emperor of all meteorites, for its rarity, as well as its dazzling beauty. Only two specimens were recovered from the fall in Fukang, and it is from the main mass that this enormous slice was taken, complete with the entire section of fusion crust around its perimeter. There have been only 3 complete slices taken from the center of the main mass which have survived undamaged, and this is one of them, making the present specimen one of the largest gem-quality Pallasite slices in existence. As is often characteristic, the olivine crystals are of such quality that many can be classified as gem peridot of faceting grade. The extreme variations in hardness found in these meteorites makes the preparation of a slice of this size an arduous task. Each cut takes weeks of vigilance to ensure that the specially forged saw blades remain on their intended path, and once the slice has been removed several treatments for preservation are applied before the extensive and painstaking polishing stage. The result is a testament to the combined expertise of craftsmen and engineers at the forefront of their field, as this spectacular piece so amply demonstrates, measuring 35 ¾ x 17 ½ inches and weighing in at 10,150 grams (22.37 pounds). <BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Requires 3rd Party Shipping (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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