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 — that is 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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