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Lot 1145

Olivine Diogenite Meteorite Slice – A Unique HED Specimen

27 May 2010, 13:00 EDT
New York

Sold for US$1,220 inc. premium

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Olivine Diogenite Meteorite Slice – A Unique HED Specimen

Achondrite, HED, Diogenite (Olivine-Rich)
Morocco

The HED meteorites (Howardites-Eucrites-Diogenites) are believed to have originated from the asteroid 4Vesta or related Vestoid asteroids. However, this specimen has unique compositional and textural characteristics not previously reported in diogenites. It could represent the deepest sample of Vesta yet discovered, making it of great scientific interest. Composed of approximately 60% olivine and 34% orthopyroxene, it appears to have been mixed while still hot or plastic deep below the surface of its host. (Historically, diogenites have been described as containing 84-100% orthopyroxene with only accessory olivine from 0 to 5%.) The present slice is expertly cut to display its amazing structure and beauty; when backlit, the transparent-to-translucent olivine glows with an other-worldy allure, weighs 61.2grams (0.13lbs); measures 5.5 x 4.25in

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