Brahin

Brahin is classified as a main-group pallasite meteorite, meaning it is a mix of iron-nickel metal and silicate minerals. When cut and polished, its surfaces famously display translucent olivine crystals embedded directly within the metallic matrix. This structure makes it highly prized by collectors for its aesthetic beauty.

The Brahin meteorite was discovered near the town of Brahin, which is located in present-day Belarus. Multiple masses of this meteorite have been recovered over the years from the surrounding area. It is one of the notable pallasite finds originating from the region.

Yes, the olivine crystals found in the Brahin meteorite are famously translucent, allowing light to pass through them. Collectors often slice pallasites like Brahin very thin and place them in front of light sources to display this effect. The quality of these transparent crystals makes it a popular choice for jewelry and display pieces.

While the exact initial discovery date is old, historical records of the Brahin meteorite masses date back to the early 19th century. Further substantial masses of this main-group pallasite were found in the region during the 20th century. The largest known recovered mass weighs over 100 kilograms.