Imilac – Oriented Pallasite (882.60 g)
Exceptional oriented pallasite preserving pronounced aerodynamic flow lines formed by molten metal during atmospheric entry. A large, visually striking specimen clearly recording its direction of flight.
This remarkable 882.60 g specimen of the Imilac pallasite is a clear example of an oriented meteorite, preserving well-defined aerodynamic features formed during its passage through Earth’s atmosphere. The surface displays distinct flow lines created by the movement of molten metal under intense heating and aerodynamic forces prior to solidification.
The coherent orientation of these flow structures allows the direction of flight to be visually reconstructed, with a clearly identifiable leading face and trailing surface. The overall morphology reflects stable atmospheric flight, a condition that enables molten material to organize into directional patterns rather than chaotic textures.
Imilac is a well-known pallasite from the Atacama Desert of Chile, composed of nickel-iron metal enclosing olivine crystals originating from the boundary between the metallic core and silicate mantle of its parent body. In this specimen, the interaction between metal flow and atmospheric shaping dominates the exterior, emphasizing the dynamic processes of entry rather than the internal crystal structure.
