The Discovery of Krasnojarsk

A large meteoritic mass weighing approximately 700 kg was discovered in 1749 on the slopes of Mount Bolshoi Imir, roughly 235 km south of Krasnoyarsk in Siberia.

In 1772, the German naturalist and explorer Peter Simon Pallas examined this unusual metallic mass containing abundant yellow-green olivine crystals enclosed within iron-nickel metal.

At the time, the extraterrestrial origin of meteorites was not yet scientifically accepted. Nevertheless, Pallas carefully documented the specimen because of its highly unusual structure and mineralogy.

Only decades later, during the birth of meteoritics as a scientific discipline, did researchers recognize that the specimen was indeed a meteorite.

The Origin of the Name “Pallasite”

Krasnojarsk became one of the most historically important meteorites in the development of planetary science.

Because of Peter Pallas’ pioneering study of this remarkable specimen, all stony-iron meteorites composed of olivine crystals within metallic iron were later named pallasites in his honor.

Krasnojarsk therefore represents the original reference specimen — sometimes historically referred to as the Pallas Iron.

A Classic Stony-Iron Meteorite

Krasnojarsk belongs to the rare class of stony-iron meteorites, specifically the pallasite group.

These meteorites consist primarily of:

• Iron-nickel metal
• Olivine crystals

The translucent olivines are embedded within the metallic matrix, producing one of the most visually spectacular structures found among meteorites.

Pallasites are believed to originate from deep boundary regions between the metallic core and silicate mantle of differentiated asteroids.

Scientific Importance

Krasnojarsk occupies a unique place in the history of meteoritics and planetary science.

It played a fundamental role in:

• The recognition of meteorites as extraterrestrial objects
• The development of meteoritics as a scientific discipline
• The classification of pallasites
• The study of planetary differentiation

Because pallasites likely formed near core-mantle transition zones inside early asteroids, they provide valuable insight into the internal structure of primitive planetary bodies.

Collector Interest

Krasnojarsk is highly sought after not only for its rarity as a pallasite, but also for its exceptional historical significance.

Collectors particularly appreciate:

• Its status as the original “Pallas Iron”
• Its importance in the history of science
• The beauty of olivine crystals within metal
• Its connection to Peter Simon Pallas
• Its rarity on the collector market

Historically important meteorites such as Krasnojarsk occupy a special position among advanced private collections and institutional holdings.

Available Specimens

The specimens presented in this category include selected Krasnojarsk pallasites displaying the classic association of olivine crystals and iron-nickel metal characteristic of the original Pallas Iron meteorite.

FAQ

What is the Krasnojarsk meteorite?

Krasnojarsk is the historic pallasite meteorite studied by Peter Simon Pallas during the 18th century.

Why is Krasnojarsk historically important?

It became the original reference specimen for all pallasite meteorites and played a key role in the history of meteoritics.

Why are pallasites called pallasites?

They were named after Peter Simon Pallas, who studied the Krasnojarsk meteorite.

What type of meteorite is Krasnojarsk?

Krasnojarsk is a stony-iron meteorite belonging to the pallasite group.

What are pallasites composed of?

Pallasites consist mainly of olivine crystals embedded within iron-nickel metal.

Why are Krasnojarsk specimens rare?

Historic Krasnojarsk material is extremely limited and highly sought after because of its scientific and historical significance.