7.76" Polished Sericho Pallasite Meteorite (250 g) Slice - Kenya

Pallasite Care - Important!

Pallasites are more susceptible to rust and deterioration from atmospheric moisture than most iron meteorites. Proper care is essential and includes avoiding direct handling with bare hands, as natural skin oils can affect the metal, and keeping the specimen in a moisture-free environment. This is especially important in high-humidity regions such as Florida. All pallasite material we sell has been stabilized and coated, which will help reduce the risk of corrosion; however, ongoing care is still necessary to preserve your specimen. We recommend storing pallasites in a dry environment, ideally with a corrosion inhibitor such as an enclosed display case equipped with a dehumidifier or desiccants.

Regular inspection is also advised. Check your specimen periodically for any discoloration, particularly brown or yellow spots, which may indicate the onset of rust. If rust is detected, prompt action is required to prevent further spread. Light rust can be treated by gently rubbing the affected area with a cotton swab dipped in CLR (Calcium, Lime, and Rust remover). Repeat as needed until the discoloration is removed, then rinse the area thoroughly with alcohol—100% pure alcohol is preferred.

After treatment, the meteorite can be baked for approximately one hour at 150°F (or 200°F for iron-only meteorites) to remove any remaining moisture. Use caution when removing it from the oven, as the metal will be hot. While still warm, a light coating bath of ATF (automatic transmission fluid) or a high-quality light oil is recommended. Once cooled, wipe away any excess oil and return the specimen to its moisture-free storage environment.

About Sericho Pallasites

Sericho pallasite meteorites are found in a 45-kilometer strewn field in eastern Kenya, near the village of Habaswein. This meteorite was officially "discovered" in 2016 after two brothers searching for their camels came across pieces of it. No other rocks were in the area, so they concluded that the rocks might be from space. Villagers spent several weeks collecting the material before bringing it to the attention of meteorite hunters. It was officially classified in 2018. Even today, material is still being found.



Approximately 2,800 kilograms of Sericho pallasite have been recovered since the initial discovery. The majority of these pieces are over 50 kilograms in weight, showing minimal weathering and still retaining patches of fusion crust. It is unknown when the fall originally occurred.

Sericho pallasite has rounded, gemmy olivine crystals varying in color from green to orange. Often its metal-rich areas show well-developed Widmanstätten patterns. They also have a particularly high olivine crystal density, as high as 70-80% in many specimens. It is quite attractive, particularly when sliced thin so light can pass through the olivine pockets: this makes it popular among collectors.

About Pallasites

Pallasite meteorites are a class of stony-iron meteorites. They were once believed to have originated at the core-mantle boundary of asteroids that shattered through impacts, but a recent hypothesis is that they are a mixture of core and mantle minerals.

Pallasite meteorites consist of olivine (peridot) crystals surrounded by iron-nickel matrix. Upon acid etching, some pallasites display interweaving structures known as Widmanstätten patterns (or Thomson lines) in the metallic matrix. These structures are iron-nickel alloy crystals, typically kamacite and taenite, that cooled over millions of years in the vacuum of space.

Pallasites are quite rare: only about 200 are known, and only four have had observed falls. This represents less than 0.2% of all classified meteorites!