What Is a Pallasite Meteorite? The Jewel of Space
What Is a Pallasite Meteorite? The Jewel of Space
Of all the meteorites that have ever fallen to Earth, none are more breathtaking than the pallasite. With their golden-green crystals suspended in a gleaming metallic matrix, pallasites look less like rocks from space and more like stained-glass windows forged in the cosmos. They are, without question, the jewel of the meteorite world.
What Is a Pallasite?
Pallasites are a type of stony-iron meteorite — a rare class that makes up less than 1% of all known meteorites. They formed at the core-mantle boundary of ancient, differentiated asteroids: rocky bodies large enough to have separated into a metallic iron-nickel core and a silicate mantle, much like Earth itself.
When these asteroids were shattered by violent collisions billions of years ago, the material at the boundary between core and mantle was flung into space. Over eons, it drifted through the solar system before eventually falling to Earth as pallasites.
The Olivine Crystals
The most striking feature of a pallasite is its olivine crystals — a magnesium-iron silicate mineral that appears in shades of yellow, green, and amber. When sliced thin and backlit, these crystals become translucent, glowing like gemstones. Gem-quality olivine is known as peridot, and pallasite olivine is chemically identical to the peridot used in fine jewelry.
The crystals range from a few millimeters to several centimeters across, set within a matrix of iron-nickel metal that often displays the beautiful Widmanstätten pattern — a crystalline structure that takes millions of years to form and is impossible to replicate in a laboratory.
Famous Pallasites
Some of the most celebrated pallasites include:
- Esquel (Argentina) — renowned for its exceptionally large, gem-quality olivine crystals
- Fukang (China) — discovered in 2000, considered one of the most beautiful meteorites ever found
- Brenham (Kansas, USA) — one of the most studied pallasites, with specimens found across a wide strewn field
How Rare Are Pallasites?
Of the roughly 70,000 meteorites in the world's catalogued collection, only about 100 are pallasites. That rarity, combined with their extraordinary beauty, makes them among the most sought-after specimens by collectors and museums alike.
Caring for Your Pallasite
Because pallasites contain iron-nickel metal, they are susceptible to rust if exposed to humidity. Store your specimen in a dry environment, ideally with silica gel desiccant. Avoid handling the olivine crystals directly, as skin oils can cloud their surface over time. A light coat of Renaissance Wax on the metal portions can help protect against oxidation.
Add a Piece of the Cosmos to Your Collection
Whether you're a seasoned collector or just beginning your journey into meteorites, a pallasite is one of the most awe-inspiring specimens you can own. Browse our full selection of