Lot 1765
Rare Oriented Sikhote-Alin. Sikhote-Alin iron-nicket meteorites are from the most recent, major fall of a large meteorite. It occurred at 10:30 AM on February 12, 1947, above the Sikhote-Alin mountains of Siberia. Because this fall was so recent, much detail can be found on some of the meteorites with their complete fussion crust not affected by rusting.
This remarkable 2½ x 2 x 1½ in., 284 gm. specimen is rare and very special in that it shows that it was oriented in its path through the atmosphere, meaning that it did not rotate during its descent, but rather melted in one direction. Flow lines of melted iron flow down the meteorite like wax on a candle. It resembles a volcano with magma flowing down from its peak. Very few of these are found. This metal flow pattern was used by NASA in designing the shape and angles of the nose cone of the space shuttle.
Estimated Value $500 - 1,000.
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| Realized $489 |
