Remarkable Sculpting Sikhote Alin, Iron Meteorite • No reserve price - Height: 21 mm - Width: 19 mm- 4.59 g - (1)

**Complimentary Specimens**
As a gesture of appreciation, every winning lot above €50 (excluding shipment costs) will include one extra mineral, added entirely free of charge.
For each additional €50, another complimentary specimen will be added.

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Description:
Formed in the silent dawn of the Solar System, nearly 4.5 billion years ago, this Sikhote Alin iron meteorite carries within its metallic body the memory of worlds that existed long before Earth ever drew its first breath. Once part of a planetary core shattered in the chaos of cosmic collision, it travelled for eons through the dark, drifting through space until its fiery descent over the Sikhote Alin Mountains in Russia, on 12 February 1947.

Your macro lens captured it perfectly: the flow lines and rippled metal textures are real, sculpted as the mass tore through the atmosphere at several kilometres per second. The surface melted into liquid metal, then froze instantly in the cold sky, creating the dramatic regmaglypts, striations, and viscous folds that make Sikhote Alin meteorites some of the most desirable iron specimens on the planet.

In hand, the piece feels dense, ancient, and unmistakably extraterrestrial, a relic of cosmic violence preserved in metallic form. The silvery curves intertwine with natural oxidation from its age and fall, giving it a raw, powerful presence. Every groove is a record of motion and heat, every twist a memory of its final seconds before striking the Siberian forest in a shower of fire and sound.

This is not merely a meteorite; it is a fragment of a broken world, a survivor of interstellar time, and one of the most iconic falls ever witnessed by humankind. Its sculptural character and beautifully preserved fusion features make it a standout addition to any advanced collection.

Specifications:
• Weight: 4.59 g
• Dimensions: 21 × 19 × 9 mm
• Origin: Sikhote Alin Mountains, Russia
• Fall: Witnessed fall 12 February 1947
• Type: Iron meteorite - IIAB
• Structural classification: Coarse octahedrite
• Chemical composition: Fe-Ni alloy with approx. 93% iron, 5.9% nickel, trace elements including cobalt, phosphorus, gallium, germanium, iridium
• Texture: Well defined regmaglypts, fusion flow ridges, and heat sculpted surface
• Fragment type: Individual (not shrapnel), showing aerodynamic features
• Fusion crust: Present in metallic, partially weathered form
• Density: High density metallic mass typical of IIAB irons
• Age: Approximately 4.5 billion years (material from early planetary core)

Notable Points:
• Witnessed fall meteorite from the iconic 1947 Sikhote Alin event
• Strong regmaglypts and flow structures sculpted during atmospheric entry
• Metallic lustre with natural reddish patina from post fall oxidation
• Exceptional detail for a sub 5 gram individual
• Formed from Fe-Ni alloy originating in a primordial planetary core
• Highly sought after IIAB iron, famous for structural stability
• Clear fusion textures preserved in elegant macro visible form
• Represents pre terrestrial material older than Earth itself
• Collectible individual specimen rather than a shrapnel fragment
• Distinctive sculptural form with strong display presence

Collector’s Interest:
Sikhote Alin specimens with such pronounced aerodynamic textures are becoming increasingly scarce, especially in smaller individuals that retain this level of sculptural detail. The combination of sharp regmaglypts, preserved flow lines, metallic sheen, and historic significance makes this a highly desirable acquisition for any collector focused on witnessed falls or ancient planetary materials.

Lapidary Interest:
While best preserved as a collector’s meteorite, its natural folds, metallic contours, and dense structure offer striking potential for curated display. Under magnification, the fusion patterns reveal remarkable visual depth, making it ideal for premium mounting or scientific presentation.

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Photography and transparency:
All photos were taken under controlled light conditions, carefully selected to reproduce the most accurate natural colour of each specimen. No filters, colour enhancement, or artificial saturation were applied. The lighting setup uses a calibrated 5500K light source, which replicates neutral daylight and reveals the true tones and clarity of the mineral. Under weaker or more yellow indoor lighting, colours may appear slightly different, which is normal and expected. The purpose of this setup is to present each specimen exactly as it appears in balanced natural daylight, allowing buyers to appreciate its authentic colour and lustre without distortion.

Identification and ethics:
All specimens offered are guaranteed natural and as described. Their origin and mineral identification are provided with the most accurate and reliable information available. Every effort is made to ensure that each piece is presented with full transparency, avoiding any misleading details regarding its nature, treatment, or provenance.

Shipping and handling:
Orders are carefully prepared, with each stone individually protected and placed in a secure rigid box to ensure safe delivery. Shipments are made within 1 to 3 business days after payment confirmation, always with a tracking number provided to the buyer. Each order is handled with professional care from selection to dispatch, ensuring a smooth and trustworthy process.

Customs and import taxes:
Any customs duties, import fees, or local taxes applied by the destination country are entirely the responsibility of the winning bidder. These charges are not included in the auction price or shipping cost and are determined by the buyer’s local authorities.

Guarantee and resolution:
Customer satisfaction is a priority. In the event of any issue, such as loss, damage, or discrepancy, please contact us immediately through Catawiki’s messaging system. We will always find a fair and suitable solution, including refund, replacement, or other commercial arrangements whenever justified.

Appreciation and commitment:
We sincerely thank you for your trust and preference. Our goal is to continuously bring you some of the most beautiful, unique, and exceptional mineral specimens from around the world. Each piece is carefully selected for its quality and character, ensuring that every purchase meets the highest standards. Your satisfaction and confidence are our top priorities, and we will always strive to exceed your expectations with every order.

With gratitude,
GemPulse Minerals