Lot 930
Complete Section From A Rare Diogenite Meteorite. Almost all recovered meteorites originate from the asteroid belt between Jupiter and Mars. Only a very few meteorites have been identified as to the planetary body of their origin, the moon, mars or the large asteroid vesta. This large 3.75 x 2.5 inch 80.2 gram valubale complete slice of Dhofar 700 is a rare Diogenite, one of three types of meteorites being identified as originating on the asteroid Vesta based on their reflective spectra compared with Vesta. Vesta is a very large asteroid with a diameter of over 326 miles having both a light and dark surface like that of our moon. It also has an immense impact crater that is so deep that it exposes the asteroid's interior. Diogenites are believed to be from the deeper regions of the interior of Vesta. Twelve dark gray stony meteorites weighing a total of 2.77 kg were found on November 15, 2002 in the Dhofar desert region of Oman. These rare meteorites were somewhat weathered missing most of their fusion crust indicating that thay fell thousands of year ago. Because of their raruity and value, Diogenites are usually only available in very small sizes of few grams in weight. This 80.2 gram complete slice is a tan to brown color with an equigranular texture consisting mostly of orthopyroxene, olivine and silicates. There is even a small area on the edge that does have a little fusion crust. One side of section has been polished while the backside is natural. This is a rare opportunity to have a sizeable meteorite section from the asteroid Vesta for study and display.
Add $15.00 for domestic shipping.
Estimated Value $600 - 800.
|
| |
| Realized $661 |
