Meteorite Science
Seymchan Meteorite: The Siberian Iron & Pallasite With Green Olivine
Seymchan is one of the most beautiful and sought-after meteorites in the world — and one of the most unusual, because a single mass can be both plain iron anda gem-studded pallasite. Found in the Siberian wilderness in 1967, its golden-green olivine crystals set in mirror-bright metal make it a favourite for collectors and for show-stopping jewelry. Here’s everything you need to know.
What is the Seymchan meteorite?
Seymchan is a pallasite — a stony-iron meteorite — from the Magadan region of eastern Siberia. What makes it special is its dual character: parts of the parent mass are nearly pure iron-nickel and reveal a clean Widmanstätten pattern, while other parts are packed with translucent green olivinecrystals. It’s one of the few meteorites that offers two completely different looks.
The discovery: Siberia, 1967
The first masses were found near the settlement of Seymchan in 1967, initially identified as a plain iron meteorite. Decades later, further searching in the strewn field uncovered the olivine-rich pallasite material, re-classifying Seymchan as a pallasite. Large quantities have since been recovered, which is part of why Seymchan — though a rare pallasite — is more available than most.
Two meteorites in one: iron & pallasite
When you shop Seymchan, you’ll see two kinds of material. Iron Seymchan etches to a clean Widmanstätten pattern and is used much like Gibeon or Muonionalusta in rings and pendants. Pallasite (olivine) Seymchan is the showpiece — green crystals suspended in metal, stunning when a thin slice is backlit. Pallasite material is rarer and costs more.
The green olivine crystals
The olivine in Seymchan is the same mineral as the gemstone peridot. These crystals formed at the boundary between an asteroid’s molten metal core and its rocky mantle, then were frozen in place for billions of years. Gem-quality olivine that’s stable and translucent is what makes a pallasite valuable — learn more in the pallasite meteorite guide.
Seymchan vs. Brenham & other pallasites
| Seymchan | Brenham | |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Siberia, Russia | Kansas, USA |
| Type | Pallasite (also iron regions) | Pallasite |
| Olivine | Bright green-gold, often stable | Amber-green, can be fractured |
| Stability | Relatively rust-resistant | More prone to oxidation |
| Best for | Slices, pendants, rings | Display slices |
Seymchan’s relative stability and bright crystals make it one of the most desirable pallasites for both display and jewelry.
Seymchan in jewelry & specimens
Iron Seymchan makes clean, striking rings and pendants; thin pallasite slices become luminous pendants when light passes through the olivine. Because fine pallasite material is rare, expect Seymchan pallasite pieces to cost more than ordinary iron-meteorite jewelry — see our price guide for context.
Care & rust prevention
Seymchan is more stable than many pallasites, but it’s still iron-bearing: keep it dry, store it with silica gel, and apply a thin oil or wax film periodically. Avoid humidity and skin contact for long periods on raw slices. Full routine in the care & display guide. For a neutral reference, see the Meteoritical Bulletin entry for Seymchan.
Frequently asked questions
- Seymchan is a famous meteorite discovered in the Magadan region of Siberia, Russia, in 1967. It's remarkable because it comes in two forms: a plain iron that shows a Widmanstätten pattern, and a stunning pallasite studded with golden-green olivine crystals. It's one of the most sought-after meteorites for both collectors and jewelry.