THE GEMSTONE LIBRARY
Sericho Pallasite Meteorite
Sericho is the official name of a meteorite found in Kenya. It is classified as a pallasite, a stony-iron meteorite in which olivine crystals sit within iron-nickel metal.
The Sericho discovery
The Meteoritical Bulletin records Sericho as a 2016 find near Habaswein and Sericho in Kenya. Local camel-herders had known the large masses for years before their recognition as meteorites. The official classification describes rounded, sometimes translucent olivine grains surrounded mainly by iron-nickel metal. Sericho is a meteorite name, not a mineral species or a location guarantee for every specimen sold under the name.
About our specimen
Our September 2025 piece was supplied as Sericho Pallasite. We have not published a specimen-specific laboratory classification or a documented chain of custody tying this individual piece to the officially classified find. Its visible pattern alone cannot establish that provenance. “Pallastite,” sometimes written in listings, is a spelling error for pallasite.
Care
Because pallasites contain iron-nickel metal, keep the specimen dry and away from prolonged humidity. Handle polished or cut faces with clean, dry hands and use a soft, dry cloth for dust. Store separately to protect the olivine and the surface finish.
Sources
- Meteoritical Society · Official Meteoritical Bulletin entry for Sericho
- Arizona State University Buseck Center for Meteorite Studies · Sericho
- Arizona State University · Dry-environment museum storage of meteorite collections
The classification describes studied Sericho material, not a laboratory test of the photographed piece.