{"product_id":"sericho-pallasite-meteorite-slice-pmg-17-39g-olivine-in-iron-nickel-matrix","title":"Sericho Pallasite Meteorite Slice, PMG, 17.39g, Olivine Crystal Mosaic","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOlivine crystal density in a compact pallasite slice\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 17.39g slice exposes the classic pallasite architecture: olivine crystals distributed through a continuous iron-nickel matrix in proportions that place Sericho at the high end of olivine content for main group pallasites. The polished face shows crystal clusters separated by metal veins, with the olivine occupying an estimated 70 to 80% of the total volume. Individual crystals range from several millimeters to just over one centimeter across, well-rounded to sub-angular in form.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe olivine has terrestrialized during surface exposure in Kenya, shifting from green toward amber, brown, and deep black. Metal zones between crystal clusters display the brushed metallic luster characteristic of the kamacite-taenite alloy. Both faces carry a thin epoxy coating applied to stabilize the olivine and slow oxidation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eStructure and features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCrystal morphology in this slice reflects the pallasite formation environment: olivine grains suspended in liquid metal at the boundary between a differentiated asteroid's core and mantle. The rounded edges of larger crystals suggest partial resorption in the melt phase before final solidification. Metal-olivine contacts are clean and sharply defined where the polish exposes them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTerrestrialization progresses from the crystal edges inward, visible as color gradients within individual grains. Some crystals retain translucent amber cores under direct light, surrounded by darker oxidized rims. The metal matrix shows no visible corrosion under the epoxy layer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eScientific context\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMain group pallasites represent samples from the core-mantle boundary of a disrupted asteroid, formed when olivine-rich mantle material mixed with liquid metal from the core during differentiation. Geochemical analysis links PMG pallasites to the IIIAB iron group, suggesting a common parent body. Pallasites account for less than 0.2% of all classified meteorites. Sericho was recovered from a strewn field extending over 45 kilometers in Isiolo County, Kenya, with formal recognition following in 2016. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/learn-about-meteorites\"\u003eLearn About Meteorites\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this meteorite authenticated?\u003c\/strong\u003e Sericho is classified in the Meteoritical Bulletin as a main group pallasite. You can verify the classification here: \u003ca rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lpi.usra.edu\/meteor\/metbull.cfm?code=65717\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eMeteoritical Bulletin search for Sericho\u003c\/a\u003e. This specimen includes a certificate of authenticity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does PMG mean?\u003c\/strong\u003e PMG stands for pallasite main group, the largest subset of pallasites linked by oxygen isotope ratios and trace element chemistry to a single parent body. Main group pallasites are geochemically distinct from the smaller Eagle Station and pyroxene pallasite subgroups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is included with this specimen?\u003c\/strong\u003e This listing includes the 17.39g slice and a certificate of authenticity. No display stand is included.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy is the olivine brown instead of green?\u003c\/strong\u003e Terrestrialization: oxidation of olivine during surface exposure in Earth's atmosphere. This is a natural process in all recovered pallasites and does not affect scientific value or structural integrity under the protective epoxy coating.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan this slice be backlit?\u003c\/strong\u003e Olivine in Sericho is typically too oxidized for effective backlighting. The terrestrialized crystals appear opaque to dark brown under transmitted light. Metal content also blocks light transmission. This slice exhibits some translucence and is suitable for a backlighting display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCollector significance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePallasites remain the most visually distinctive meteorite type collectors can acquire, and Sericho offers accessibility to this category due to the large recovered mass and extended strewn field. This 17.39g slice balances size and price point while retaining the diagnostic olivine-metal texture. The high olivine fraction makes Sericho slices denser in crystal coverage than many other pallasites.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCompact slices like this one serve well in organized collections where space constraints matter. The epoxy coating ensures stability over time, addressing the primary long-term preservation concern with pallasite specimens. Browse additional pallasite specimens: \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/stony-iron-meteorites\"\u003eStony-Iron Meteorites\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMeteoritical Bulletin entry: \u003ca rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lpi.usra.edu\/meteor\/metbull.cfm?code=65717\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eSericho\u003c\/a\u003e | Classification: Pallasite, PMG | Find, Kenya, 2016\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Treasure Coast Meteorite Co.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45264942530607,"sku":"SERICHO-17.39G-SLICE-EP","price":140.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0726\/9724\/9839\/files\/sericho-pallasite-meteorite-17-39g-white-background.jpg?v=1779473057","url":"https:\/\/www.tcmeteorites.com\/products\/sericho-pallasite-meteorite-slice-pmg-17-39g-olivine-in-iron-nickel-matrix","provider":"Treasure Coast Meteorite Co.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}