Fukang (English: Foo-kay-ng; Chinese: 阜康, pronounced: Fùkāng)

Location: Xinjiang Province, China

Found: 2000

Type: Pallasite (main group)

An anonymous finder recovered a 1003 kg specimen near Fukang, China in 2000.

Southwest Meteorite Collection repository: Main mass: 370 kg

Of all the rarities on Earth the most eye-catching and unique are pallasites. These extra-terrestrial gemstones mirror the stellar beauty of the cosmos. The Fukang Pallasite is a specimen that clearly out shines all meteorites of its class. This is the “main mass” which is to say the largest surviving portion of the only Fukang specimen ever recovered.

World renown as the most spectacular example of natural cosmic splendor, the Fukang pallasite will undoubtedly become one of the greatest meteorite discoveries of the 21st century. This awe-inspiring main mass weighs over 810 pounds (over 370 kilograms). The Fukang pallasite displays celestial yellow-green olivine crystals in an etched nickel-iron matrix. A thin slices from the Fukang mass is reminiscent of stained glass windows crafted in the ancient solar system.

Pallasites are extremely rare even among meteorites (only about 1% of all meteorites are this type) and of the meteorites they are, by far, the most alluring. These stellar gemstones are composed of about 50% olivine (peridot), 50% nickel-iron. These awesome treasures are thought to be relics of a forming planet.It displays, to our knowledge, the largest cross section of this kind of material on Earth. It is a 36 x 19-inch polished face providing a window into its wondrous mosaic of extraterrestrial crystals. This unparalleled discovery is an astounding treasure — a phenomenal and prestigious centerpiece for any natural history exhibit.

For more information please contact us.

Marvin and 10 kg Fukang Slice

 

Fukang Main Mass

 

Etched Slice (close-up)