Meteorite Seymchan 22,9g – Magadan, Russia

Type: Pallasite
Locality: Magadan, Russia
Weight: 22,9g
Dimensions: 6,1 x 2,9 x 0,2 cm 
Year found: 1967
Total known weight: 323,3 kg
Surface treatment: cut, polished slice
Notice: This meteorite is visibly cracked in the olivine section and requires increased caution when handling. We recommend avoiding any pressure or impact to prevent breakage or further damage.

Delivery to:
05/12/2025
In Stock
Code: MESM40
$686,77 $567,58 excl. VAT
Category: Seymchan
By name: Seymchan
? Type: Stony-iron
? Surface treatment: Cut
Packaging: None
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Seymchan – unique pallasite from Russia

The Seymchan meteorite fell in the Magadan region near the settlement of Seymchan in Russia, though the exact fall date remains unknown. It was discovered in 1967, with a 272 kg mass found in June and another 51 kg mass in October. Initially, only metallic parts were discovered, classifying it as an iron meteorite of type IIE. Only in 2004 was it determined that 20% of the samples contained olivine crystals, leading to its classification as a pallasite.

Internal structure

Seymchan has an unusual internal structure. Some parts are rich in olivine inclusions (pallasitic sections), while others consist almost entirely of iron–nickel alloys, mainly kamacite and taenite. In the metallic sections, characteristic Widmanstätten patterns can be revealed after polishing and acid etching. It also contains minerals such as troilite, schreibersite, and chromite.
 
Purely metallic section composed of kamacite and taenite
Pallasitic section with olivine inclusions
Seymchan metallic part
Seymchan pallasitic part

Origin

The meteorite originated from a differentiated asteroid in the main belt between Mars and Jupiter, which in its early evolution underwent melting and material separation. Heavier elements (iron and nickel) settled in the core, while lighter silicate minerals formed the mantle. Later collisions and dynamic processes mixed metallic and silicate components. The result is a meteorite that contains both purely metallic parts and pallasitic sections with olivine crystals.