Similar to lots 108 and 109. Surprisingly dense, the Gibeon meteorite from which this end section had been cut formed 4.5 billion years ago within the molten core of a differentiated asteroid (i.e., like Earth, it possessed a molten core, mantle and crust). When this asteroid was orbiting the Sun between Jupiter and Mars billions of years ago, a catastrophic collision with another asteroid occurred. Now offered is a sample of the core of the shattered asteroid — the result of the complete disintegration of its parent body. While fragments from this event are still found in the asteroid belt, some material was deflected into an Earth-crossing orbit and several thousand years ago Gibeon meteorites punched into Earth’s atmosphere pelting the edge of the Kalahari Desert in Namibia. Cut from a larger mass, this end piece reveals both the internal and external features of a quintessential Gibeon meteorite. The latticework seen on the cut and polished surface is diagnostic in the identification of iron meteorites (see lot 109); an extended cooling curve of millions of years is required for the molecules of the two major iron-nickel alloys of iron meteorites to orient into their crystalline habit, a circumstance which only occurs in the core of a planet or differentiated asteroid and the vacuum of outer space. The crystalline structure is largely due to the percentage of nickel, and meteorites with different patterns originate from different parent bodies. Gibeon meteorites are renowned for their fine octahedral structure. Lathes of troilite (iron sulfide) another signature characteristic of many iron me🎶teorites are also in evidence. The reverse surface is animated by crests and shallow grooves which are further accented in a deep smoky-gray patina. Revealing the interior and exterior of an iron meteorite, this captivating bit of extraterrestrial real estate features a choice display of Gibeon’s mesmerizing crystalline fingerprint.