Eucrite; The Sahara Desert

A fresh eucrite with black glass shock melt injection veins. The edge shows a partially weathered fusion crust.

This slice originates from a 4.6 kilogram mass which, prior to cutting, was one of the larger eucrites on Earth. It originated on or near the surface of the second largest asteroid in the solar system, Vesta (diameter 525 km). Scientists believe eucrites came from Vesta because it is the only large asteroid with a basalt-covered surface. Spectroscopic analysis and further data transmitted from NASA’s Dawn spacecraft, which orbited Vesta in 2011-12 supports the conclusion of Vestan origin. The delivery mechanism to Earth was the result of another asteroid having slammed into Vesta, launching material off its surface into interplanetary space, eventually finding its way into an Earth-crossing orbit.

Christie's would like to thank Dr. Alan E. Rubin at the Department of Earth, Planetary, and Space Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles for his assistance in preparing this catalogue.
150 mm x 122 mm x 5 mm
147g.

This lot will be removed to Christie’s Park Royal. Christie’s will inform you if the lot has been sent offsite. Our removal and storage of the lot is subject to the terms and conditions of storage which can be found at Christies.com/storage and our fees for storage are set out in the table below - these will apply whether the lot remains with Christie’s or is removed elsewhere. Please call Christie’s Client Service 24 hours in advance to book a collection time at Christie’s Park Royal. All collections from Christie’s Park Royal will be by pre-booked appointment only. Tel: +44 (0)20 7839 9060 Email: cscollectionsuk@christies.com. If the lot remains at Christie’s it will be available for collection on any working day 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. Lots are not available for collection at weekends.
This lot has been imported from outside of the UK for sale and placed under the Temporary Admission regime. Import VAT is payable at 5% on the hammer price. VAT at 20% will be added to the buyer’s premium but will not be shown separately on our invoice.
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