Geological - Sikhote-Alin Meteorite - 1947 > Lot No. 774

Description:
An entire piece of the the Sikhote-Alin meteorite, showing the characteristic outer surface.

Measurements:
125 grams, 44 mm.

Condition:
Very fine. Scarce.

References:
Classified as an iron meteorite belonging to the chemical group IIAB and with a coarse octahedrite structure. See Meteoritical Bulletin and database.

Provenance:
Fell in Sikhote-Alin Mountains, Primorye, 12th February 1947.

Comments notes:
The Sikhote-Alin meteorite fell during daylight at 10:38 a.m. local time on 12th February, 1947. Witnesses reported a fireball that was brighter than the sun. It came from out of the north -- about 15 degrees east of north and descended at an angle of 41 degrees. It left a trail of smoke and dust 20 miles long which lingered for several hours. Light and sound of the fall were observed for two hundred miles around the point of impact.

Estimate: £50 - 80 (EUR 60 - 100; USD 80 - 130)

Auction date: Thursday 9th September 2010 at The Swedenborg Hall 20-21 Bloomsbury Way
London WC1A 2TH

Sold for: £270