In a remarkable event, Christie's auction house in Shanghai is set to feature a rare piece of extraterrestrial rock—a slice from the second-largest lunar meteorite ever to land on Earth. This extraordinary specimen, known as Tisserlitine 001, is expected to fetch between RMB 2-3 million (approximately US$280,057-420,085) at the 20th/21st Century Evening Sale on November 7, 2024.

Meteorites from the Moon are exceedingly rare; only 306 samples are known to exist globally. These pieces of lunar rock are created when asteroids or comets collide with the Moon's surface, sending chunks of it flying into space. Tisserlitine 001 was discovered in December 2019 in the Saharan Desert, near the Mali-Algeria border, when a team uncovered two large stones and 44 smaller fragments, collectively weighing over 47 kilograms.

The auction lot features a slice weighing 2005.9 grams and measuring 41.8 x 35.8 x 0.8 cm—an exquisite example of what makes lunar meteorites so desirable among collectors and scientists alike. Every lunar rock has unique characteristics due to its origin; Tisserlitine 001 features a flat, slab-like appearance with a porous surface and metallic flecks likely originating from an asteroid impact.

Scientific analysis was conducted by the University of Washington and showcased a fascinating fact: while the Moon experiences over 33,000 strikes from celestial bodies every year, very few fragments ever reach Earth. The majority of lunar meteorites found on our planet come from places like Antarctica, Oman, and Northern Africa—making Tisserlitine 001 a truly remarkable find.

This particular meteorite distinguishes itself due to the high impact melting it underwent while entering Earth’s atmosphere. The surface bears distinctive grooves and divots, providing a glimpse into the fiery journey it took. Notably, American collector Darryl Pitt played a significant role in the specimen’s history, acquiring it shortly after discovery and expertly slicing and polishing it for aesthetic appeal.

The allure of lunar meteorites can be attributed not only to their scarcity but also to scientific significance. They possess mineralogical and chemical signatures distinct from terrestrial rocks, providing insights into the Moon's formation and its interplay with the universe. In previous years, lunar meteorites have fetched astronomical prices at auction, with a 5443.11-gram specimen selling for $612,500 in 2018.

As the auction date draws near, collectors and space enthusiasts alike will be eager to see how Tisserlitine 001 performs on the auction block, reinforcing the timeless fascination humanity holds for the mysteries of space. Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a piece of the Moon!