description Marjalahti Overview
Marjalahti is a main-group pallasite meteorite that fell near Marjalahti, Finland, in 1902. Pallasites consist principally of olivine crystals embedded in an iron-nickel metal matrix, producing a structure unlike that of ordinary stony meteorites. Because most known pallasites were discovered long after reaching Earth, Marjalahti is particularly notable as one of the relatively few members of this meteorite type associated with an observed fall.
insights Ranking position
Marjalahti ranks #52 of 213 in the Meteorite ranking, behind Alais, ahead of Imilac.
help Marjalahti FAQ
What makes Marjalahti different from an ordinary stony meteorite?
Marjalahti is a main-group pallasite, so its interior combines translucent olivine crystals with iron-nickel metal. That metal-and-crystal structure is very different from the mostly rocky material of an ordinary chondrite.
Where and when did the Marjalahti meteorite fall?
Marjalahti fell near the village of Marjalahti in Finland in 1902. The fall occurred in the Karelia region, which now lies on the Russian side of the modern border.
Why do polished slices of Marjalahti look like stained glass?
Cutting and polishing the meteorite exposes olivine crystals enclosed by a reflective iron-nickel framework. When a thin slice is lit from behind, some crystals transmit yellow, green, or amber light.
How does Marjalahti compare with the famous Esquel pallasite?
Both Marjalahti and Esquel are main-group pallasites prized for olivine crystals set in metal. Esquel was found in Argentina, while Marjalahti is a witnessed 1902 fall associated with Finland.
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