Miles Meteorite Slice Iron, IIE Queensland, Australia - (27°...

Miles Meteorite Slice Iron, IIE Queensland, Australia - (27° 50'S, 150° 20'E) Found: 1992 Found back in 1992 in Queensland, Australia, Miles is classified as an Iron meteorite belonging to the chemical group IIE with silicate inclusions. This truly exquisite example consists of a massive slab measuring some 15 inches (38 cm) at maximum dimension and weighing a rather substantial 2 kilograms (4.4 pounds), especially for a slice. Boasting an incredible shape with a flat bottom, this thicker slab is replete with colorful inclusions that give both substantial faces of this large slice a "pallasitic" appearance. The silicates are unusual and orange pyroxenes. Moreover, only 100 kilograms of the total 275+ kilograms mass was ever released for export by the Australian Government. Originally owned by legendary meteorite collector Jim Schwade in his renowned collection, he was the only prior owner – before the current owner offered it here for sale at auction. The organic patterning over the broader surfaces is compelling and complex, exhibiting hues of gold and brown on crystals intermingled with metallic material from outer space. One side was fully etched to bring out a crystalline pattern in the iron matrix, adding further contrast to the primary display face, while the other is reflective and mirror-like, with a monochromatic silvery hue to the artistic form. Superlative for both size and quality, this is a top collector-level piece that has recently resided in two fine collections. Oxygen isotopes indicate a relationship between the Miles meteorite and the H-Group of ordinary Chondrites, which could have wider implications resulting in further studies and discoveries. Measurements: 14.96 x 8.27 x 0.26 inches (38.00 x 21.00 x 0.66 cm), weighs 2,012.6 grams Provenance: Ex. Jim Schwade Collection, Ex. Mani Collection of Meteorites HID09710052018 © 2022 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved