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PRESS RELEASE SOURCE: HERITAGE AUCTIONS
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DALLAS, Texas (March 9, 2022) — Events get described too often as being “out of this world,” to the point that for some, it can become a tired fall-back cliché. In the case of Heritage Auctions’ March 24-25 Nature & Science Signature® Auction, the description could not be more accurate.
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A Martian Shergottite Meteorite, NWA 12335 (estimate: $80,000+) is an extraordinary rarity for the most serious collectors of nature and science or space exploration. It is one of fewer than 275 “approved” meteorites from the Red Planet. For perspective, that is fewer than a half of one percent of the roughly 72,000 classified meteorites.
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This magnificent specimen was found in 2018 in Northwest Africa. It is of the Shergottite variety and weighs 1.49 kilograms (3.3 pounds), making it the second-largest of six pieces, trailing only the MAIN MASS, which weighs 2.3 kilograms (5.1 pounds). The shape and texture of this specimen are both superb, and the highlight is the underlying reddish hue over much of the surface, consistent with an origin from the Red Planet. The Meteoritical Bulletin confirms the provenance of this piece as well as references the MAIN MASS, which Heritage also sold at auction in 2020 for $162,500.
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“This is an extraordinary specimen,” Heritage Auctions Nature and Science Director Craig Kissick said. “This is the kind of beautiful sample that can become the centerpiece of any serious meteorite collection.”
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Another highlight that will shimmer in the eyes of serious collectors is a magnificent Australian Gold Nugget with Quartz(estimate: $50,000+). Weighing 565 grams (18.15 troy ounces), it features vibrant luster and complex surface features, and includes some Quartz “pebbles” hidden amid the natural cavities. This specimen offers remarkable versatility, with multiple beautiful presentation options when set at different angles, negating the need for a base.
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Immediately identifiable for its brilliant array of colors, a “Gem” Ammonite 2(1165) (estimate: $30,000+) is a stunning ancient cephalopod that boasts a combination of shape and form that is unparalleled in this iridescent example that dates back to the Late Cretaceous. The vibrant hues range from red to green to gold, and include the less common blues and purples. This magnificent specimen measures 17 inches in diameter. Canadian Ammonites are found largely in a single locality, and are prized for preserved Ammolite – a gemstone – in their shells.
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If the “Gem” ammonite draws attention because of its brilliant array of colors, it is the form and sheer size of a fully mounted Cave Bear Skeleton (estimate: $30,000+) that has the same effect on anyone who sees it. Standing a full 80 inches (203.2 cm) above its platform base, this magnificent fossil from the Ural Mountains builds up to an impressive skull. Representing the Cave Bear-like variety, it is in remarkable condition with a high percentage of original bone material present.
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Dinosaurs have fascinated generations of people, from children who read their first book on the massive reptiles that once roamed the earth to adults captivated by movies about them – none more than Tyrannosaurus Rex, the massive apex predator of its time. This auction includes an awesome T-Rex Tooth (estimate: $10,000+) that measures 3.7 inches long – just imagine a mouth full of these weapons. This tooth comes from Montana’s iconic Hell Creek Formation. It exhibits sharp serrations, nearly complete preserved enamel and an array of colors.
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“This auction has offerings from space and time, with an incredible Martian meteorite and a superlative T-rex tooth among incomparable offerings in the categories of Fine Minerals, Fossils and Meteorites,” Kissick said. “We have pulled together an exciting mix of singular, quality specimens sure to entice and intrigue our clients. We constantly strive to have intriguing pieces for our bidders, and this auction certainly lives up to that goal.”
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Other highlights include, but are not limited to:
• An End Cut of Lunar Meteorite NWA 11723 weighing 307.5 grams (estimate $25,000+)
• A fine and large specimen of green Pyromorphite from China (estimate: $25,000+)
• A collector piece of radioactive Autunite from Washington (estimate: $12,000+)
• A massive Fossil Palm Frond from the renowned Green River Formation of Wyoming (estimate: $10,000+)
• A colossal Blue Topaz gemstone weighing a whopping 825 carats (estimate $8,000+)
Information and images for all lots in the sale can be found at HA.com/8073.
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Heritage Auctions is the largest fine art and collectibles auction house founded in the United States, and the world’s largest collectibles auctioneer. Heritage maintains offices in New York, Dallas, Beverly Hills, Chicago, Palm Beach, London, Paris, Geneva, Amsterdam and Hong Kong.
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