Pallasite. Kenya, found 2016. Half individual with etched and polished face. Weighing 164.4 grams and measuring 83 mm x 74 mm x 16 mm. Few things create as much excitement in the meteorite world as the discovery of a new pallasite. The Sericho pallasite (initially called Habaswein), found in Kenya was just such a discovery. Although recorded in 2016 and officially recognized as a meteorite in 2017, local lore has it that several large Sericho masses had been known to exist for generations.
Pure olivine (peridot) is naturally green, but Sericho’s sojourn on Earth has caused its crystals to terrestrialize and acquire yellow, orange, and brown hues. While pallasites are typically considered to be composed approximately 50% olivine and 50% nickel-iron, Sericho has a particularly high crystal density, with estimates putting it at 70-80% olivine. This half stone with polished face—described as an “end cut” by collectors—is a remnant of a lost and subterranean active zone on an unknown but ancient asteroid. It has been exquisitely etched and polished by an expert in pallasite preparation to reveal abundant colorful crystals situated in a brilliant nickel-iron matrix. Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Aerolite Meteorites.
