38. MUNDRABILLA METEORITE SLAB — 1,000,000 YEARS ON EARTH
IAB-UNGR
Nullarbor Plain, Australia
First found 1911 / 24 tons
Geologists discovered the first Mundrabilla meteorites in 1911 in the course of a geological survey of Australia’s Great Nullarbor Plain — the world’s largest exposure of limestone bedrock and a “null arbor” — an environment largely devoid of shrubs and trees. This specimen was part of a massive meteorite shower which occurred approximately a million years ago. Chemically as well as visually, Mundrabilla is a most unusual meteorite — and thus its “ungrouped” classification. Rich in silicate and graphite inclusions, this slab is cut and polished on five sides. Mundrabilla’s signature amoeba-like sulfide inclusions of troilite are richly in evidence. The natural exterior surface of the meteorite crowns this captivating presentation.
123 x 85 x 42mm (4.75 x 3.33 x 1.66 inches) and 2757 grams (6 lbs.)
Provenance:
Western Australian Museum, Perth
Estimate $10,000 – 15,000 * Reserve $8,000