A rare Martian meteorite weighing over 54 pounds has landed on the auction block at Sotheby’s in New York, with an estimated value of up to $4 million. NWA 16788, discovered in Niger in July 2023, is the largest known chunk from Mars and accounts for six percent of all Martian material found on Earth.
The meteorite, a shergottite, was classified as a Martian meteorite after being included in the Meteoritical Bulletin in June 2024. It features large magnesium-rich crystals that turn to iron-rich glass at their edges, likely formed during an asteroid impact. The rock’s surface displays patches of glassy fusion, indicating its violent passage through Earth’s atmosphere.
Sotheby’s is accepting cryptocurrency as payment for both the meteorite and a mounted Ceratosaurus skeleton, estimated to sell for $4 million to $6 million. This sale has sparked concern among scientists who study meteorites about extraplanetary rocks being sold at auction, but experts acknowledge that a significant portion of the information on Mars’ history can be gleaned from studying meteorites.
The rarity and value of NWA 16788 make it an extraordinary find for collectors and scientists alike. Its estimated sale price far surpasses previous sales of Martian specimens, which have averaged around $15,000 to $20,000 per pound. The auction is set to take place on July 16 in New York.
Source: https://news.artnet.com/art-world/mars-meteorite-sothebys-auction-2663688