Pallasites are a rare class of stony-iron meteorites characterized by large, translucent crystals of olivine embedded in a metallic nickel-iron matrix. When sliced and polished, they exhibit a stunning, gem-like appearance that makes them highly coveted by mineral collectors and astronomical enthusiasts. They are believed to originate from the core-mantle boundary of differentiated planetary bodies.
Is this pallasite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch pallasite with a known reference. Pallasite sits at Mohs 5-6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Pallasite leaves a metallic grey streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Pallasite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, green, brown, silver, black.
- 5Look at form & habitTypical habit: massive, rounded olivine crystals embedded in a nickel-iron matrix.
Often confused with
Pallasite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside pallasite
Minerals reported to co-occur with pallasite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 4.5-5.0 g/cm³
- Streak
- Metallic Grey
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal habit
- Massive, Rounded Olivine Crystals Embedded in A Nickel-iron Matrix
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific Research
- Host rock
- Extraterrestrial Origin
- Typical price
- $50-500 per gram for high-quality specimens
Where rockhounds find pallasite
Classic worldwide localities
- Esquel, Argentina
- Imilac, Chile
- Brenham, Kansas, USA
- Seymchan, Russia
- Glorieta Mountain, New Mexico, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in extraterrestrial origin country, the host setting where pallasite typically forms. If you start seeing olivine, kamacite, taenite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive, rounded olivine crystals embedded in a nickel-iron matrix habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find pallasite on the map
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