One of the most interesting lots in Christie’s recent Space Rocks’ auction proved to be the world’s largest meteorite with a coating of extraterrestrial gems. Discovered in 2005 in Kiowa County, Kansas, this mega-rock measures an impressive 965 by 661 by 584mm and weighs in at 650 kilos. To put that in some perspective, that’s about the same weight as an average fully grown male polar bear, though the meteorite is hopefully easier to take care far.
This lump of extra-terrestrial matter was expected to sell for around US$1.2 million, quite a price given the owner’s casual acquisition of the piece. There does, however, seem to be something of a science to the valuation of rocks from outer space. James Hyslop, Christie’s specialist behind the sale, explained the valuation of this particular lot thus: “The diamond industry uses the four C’s – Carat, Cut, Color and Clarity – we use four S’s – Size, Shape, Science and Story.”
This particular piece certainly does well in terms of size and shape, given the unusual curve created by its fall to earth. Hyslop said: “When most meteorites fall to earth, they tumble chaotically. On the rare occasion a meteorite does head straight into the earth, however, its surface heats, then melts, and you get this wonderful heat shield that creates a perfect parabola.”
Parabola-shaped meteorites, like this, are much more expensive. Especially, as in this case, if they come embedded with naturally occurring gemstones.