Fukang Meteorite: A Gobi Desert Treasure Lost Overseas

Fukang Meteorite: A Gobi Desert Treasure Lost Overseas

The Fukang meteorite is a Pallasite, PMG type stony-iron meteorite, discovered in 2000 in the Gobi Desert near Fukang, Xinjiang, China, by an anonymous hiker. This meteorite is renowned for its unique characteristics, containing a large number of olivine crystals embedded in a nickel-iron matrix. The crystals exhibit a honeycomb-like structure and shine with golden and green hues. When polished, the crystals become semi-transparent, resembling a radiant stained-glass window. Most of these olivine crystals are high-quality, transparent forsterite, making this meteorite extraordinarily beautiful—a gem from the depths of the cosmos. Weighing 1,003 kilograms, it is considered one of the most beautiful and largest pallasites ever discovered. The golden olivine crystals surrounded by a nickel-iron alloy matrix create a visually striking pattern. These olivine crystals, mostly magnesium-rich forsterite, likely formed deep within the mantles of celestial bodies, offering insights into the differentiation processes of early solar system objects.

2.01kg Fukang Collected By Mr. Sun Dong Fang In Oriental Science Museum

2.01kg Fukang Collected By Mr. Sun Dong Fang In Oriental Science Museum

Composition and Characteristics

The Fukang meteorite is classified as Pallasite, PMG—a stony-iron meteorite belonging to the "Main Group Pallasite" (PMG). Pallasites are composed primarily of a nickel-iron metal matrix with embedded olivine crystals. These meteorites are thought to originate from the boundary between the core and mantle of asteroids, reflecting the separation of metal and silicate phases during planetary differentiation. The PMG classification indicates that the Fukang meteorite belongs to the main group of pallasites, with typical chemical composition and mineralogical structure.

According to the latest studies, the Fukang meteorite’s composition includes nickel-iron alloy and abundant olivine crystals. Its main components are as follows:

  • Nickel-Iron Alloy: ~50%, forms the matrix that encases the olivine crystals.
  • Olivine: ~50%, primarily magnesium-rich forsterite (chemical formula: (Mg,Fe)₂SiO₄), appearing golden to green with high transparency.
  • Chromite: Minor amounts, chemical formula: FeCr₂O₄.
  • Whitlockite: Trace amounts, chemical formula: Ca₉(MgFe)(PO₄)₆(PO₃OH).

For detailed composition, please refer to the references at the end of this article.

Unique Features

The Fukang meteorite stands out due to the quality and transparency of its olivine crystals. Some crystals are as large as golf balls, embedded in the nickel-iron matrix. When polished, the crystals emit a green glow under light, giving the meteorite an otherworldly appearance. The perfect balance of metal and silicate minerals provides scientists with a rare glimpse into the internal structure of asteroids, allowing them to study planetary differentiation processes and the conditions of the early solar system.

Discovery

The discovery of the Fukang meteorite was a serendipitous event. Around 2000, a hiker stumbled upon an unusually large "rock" in the Gobi Desert near Fukang, Xinjiang. Initially weighing 1,003 kilograms, about 20 kilograms of the meteorite were cut off and taken to the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show in the United States in 2005, where its splendid crystals were displayed to the public for the first time. The exhibition attracted significant attention from scientists and collectors, including Dr. Dante Lauretta, a planetary scientist at the University of Arizona, who later led a team to study the meteorite’s composition.

The exact circumstances of how the Fukang meteorite ended up overseas remain a mystery. However, the silent appearance of such a significant meteorite in foreign markets is deeply regrettable.

Specimen Collections

  • The University of Arizona Lunar and Planetary Laboratory (UAZ) houses 31 kilograms of specimens.
  • The Southwest Meteorite Laboratory holds another 31 kilograms.
  • The majority of specimens are in the possession of an anonymous private collector.

Market Value and Auction History

The Fukang meteorite debuted at the 2005 Tucson Gem and Mineral Show in Arizona, where it caused a sensation.

  • In 2008, a 420-kilogram portion of the Fukang meteorite was auctioned in New York with an estimated price of over $2 million. However, it did not sell. Smaller slices were later sold for tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars, becoming prized items among collectors.

  • In 2019, a 84.5-gram slice (101 x 79 x 2 mm) of the Fukang meteorite was sold for $13,750 at Christie’s online auction.

  • On February 23, 2021, Christie’s announced the sale of a smaller 150-gram specimen (50 x 53 x 43 mm) for $30,000.

  • On July 8, 2021, an 8.15-kilogram slice with a diameter of 89.5 centimeters was sold for £525,000 (approximately $716,000).

  • Most recently, on February 23, 2022, a 1.87-kilogram specimen (127 x 112 x 74 mm) was sold for $60,000.

Scientific and Cultural Significance

The Fukang meteorite is not only a visually stunning collectible but also a crucial artifact for scientific research. According to the Meteoritical Bulletin, the olivine crystals in Fukang range in shape from round to irregular, with a maximum diameter of 11 centimeters. The matrix is primarily composed of a nickel-iron alloy, along with minor amounts of chromite and whitlockite. These components provide valuable clues for studying the formation and evolution of celestial bodies.

In art and culture, the Fukang meteorite’s beauty and rarity make it a centerpiece in museums and private collections. Its transparent olivine crystals, resembling cosmic gemstones, captivate countless visitors. When polished, the crystals shine with green and golden hues, evoking a sense of mystery from the stars. Artists have incorporated slices of the Fukang meteorite into sculptures and jewelry, blending its unique aesthetics into works of art.

A Tragic Loss

The Fukang meteorite is an unparalleled cosmic treasure. Its breathtaking olivine crystals and nickel-iron matrix make it one of the most unique pallasites on Earth. For scientists, collectors, and even curious individuals, this meteorite inspires awe with its stunning appearance and rich scientific value. It is truly regrettable that such a priceless artifact has found its way overseas.

Scientific Details (from the Meteoritical Bulletin)

  • Olivine: Distributed throughout the main mass, shapes range from round to angular, often fractured. Sizes range from <5 mm to several centimeters. Major clusters are up to 11 cm in diameter. Composition: Fo₈₆.₄ with molar Fe/Mg = 0.1367, Fe/Mn = 40.37, Ni = 0.03 wt%.

  • Nickel-Iron Matrix: Contains kamacite (Ni ~6.98 wt%), with wide taenite bands surrounding kamacite cores. Troilite (FeS) veins are present.

  • Trace Minerals: Chromite (up to 0.5 cm), whitlockite, and troilite. Complex mixtures of olivine, low-Ca pyroxene, troilite, and whitlockite are found near chromite regions.

  • Bulk Composition: Fe = 89.9 ± 0.3 wt%, Ni = 9.0 ± 0.2 wt%, P = 0.62 ± 0.02 wt%, Co = 0.51 ± 0.01 wt%.

  • Trace Elements: Ge = 41 ± 4 µg/g, As = 26 ± 5 µg/g, Ga = 19.1 ± 0.5 µg/g, Pd = 5.1 ± 0.2 µg/g, Au = 2.6 ± 0.2 µg/g, Ir = 43 ± 4 ng/g.

  • Oxygen Isotopes: δ¹⁸O = 2.569‰, δ¹⁷O = 1.179‰, ∆¹⁷O = −0.157‰.

Вернуться к блогу