Similar to lots 10, 36, 42, 52 and 56. Now offered is a Seymchan meteorite absent of olivine. The vast majority of Seymchan meteorites are non-descript, prosaic masses until cut to reveal their internal splendor. When fashioned into slices, spheres and cubes, Seymchan’s metallic octahedral crystalline lattice is showcased. Known as a Widmanstätten pattern (see lot 104), this intergrowth of two iron-nickel minerals forms an unearthly metallic grid in shimmering shades of gray and silver and is diagnostic in the identification of an iron meteorite. A very long cooling period is required for metallic molecules to orient into their crystalline habit — more than a million years. Seymchan is also among the most rust-resistant of iron meteorites due its moderately high concentration of iridium, the second densest element and the most corrosion-resistant metal known. Revealing aspects of the structure impossible to see in a flat slab, the crystalline structure of this meteorite is seen to great effect in this three-dimensional presentation — an exquisite, futuristic-like geometry from the core-mantle boundary of an ancient asteroid. Modern fashioning. 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. 44 x 44 x 44mm (1.75 x 1.75 x 1.75 in.) and 717 grams (1.5 lbs)