A Martian meteorite unlike any other is heading to the auction block in New York, and it could fetch up to $4 million. Known as NWA 16788, this 54-pound space rock is officially the largest piece of Mars ever discovered on Earth. It will be sold at Sotheby’s during a special natural history-themed auction, alongside other rare items including a juvenile dinosaur skeleton.
For collectors, scientists, and space enthusiasts, this isn’t just another rock. It’s a cosmic relic, a survivor of an interplanetary journey from the surface of Mars to the sands of the Sahara.
This rare Martian meteorite was discovered in November 2023, in the Sahara Desert — specifically in Niger, a region long known for meteorite finds due to its dry climate and vast, open landscapes.
A skilled meteorite hunter made the find while scouring the desert. Identifying and recovering meteorites requires a deep understanding of rock types, magnetic response, and a good bit of luck. In this case, luck was on the hunter’s side — they stumbled upon a Martian rock of unprecedented size.
Scientists believe the meteorite was blasted off the Martian surface during a powerful asteroid impact — a cosmic event strong enough to launch rock into space. Over millions of years, some of these fragments make their way to Earth.
NWA 16788 traveled an estimated 140 million miles (225 million kilometers) through space before eventually landing on Earth. The journey likely spanned thousands of years before the meteorite fell to our planet, where it was later found in the desert.
According to Sotheby’s, NWA 16788 is more than twice the size of the previously largest Martian meteorite found. Its massive size — 15 x 11 x 6 inches — is unlike anything else from Mars currently known to science.
This one rock alone accounts for almost 7% of all Martian material ever discovered on Earth — an incredible statistic, given how rare these meteorites are.
Weighing in at 54 pounds (25 kilograms), its size and weight make it not just a scientific treasure, but also a striking visual and physical specimen.
A sample of the meteorite was sent to a specialized laboratory for testing. Researchers analyzed its chemical composition and mineral structure to confirm its Martian origin.
The test results were then compared with data gathered by NASA’s Viking space probe, which landed on Mars in 1976. The elemental signatures matched closely with those identified on the Martian surface.
The meteorite was classified as an olivine-microgabbroic shergottite — a type of Martian rock formed from slow-cooling magma, rich in minerals like olivine and pyroxene. This makes it especially valuable for studying Mars’ volcanic history.
Of the approximately 77,000 meteorites cataloged on Earth, only around 400 have been confirmed as originating from Mars — making them exceedingly rare.
Their rarity stems from the distinct chemical fingerprint of Martian rocks, which can only be identified through advanced scientific techniques.
The rock measures 15 inches long, 11 inches wide, and 6 inches tall — about the size of a large briefcase. Its weight of 25 kilograms makes it the heaviest Martian rock ever recovered.
NWA 16788 displays a mix of red, brown, and gray hues, with a coarse-grained structure. Its surface reflects the Martian landscape it came from.
As the meteorite entered Earth’s atmosphere, it heated up dramatically. The result? A shiny, glass-like coating — a telltale sign of high-speed atmospheric entry and one of the first visual indicators that it was more than just a typical rock.
The meteorite will go under the hammer during Sotheby’s Natural History Sale, a curated event featuring other rare and ancient objects from Earth and beyond.
Among the other highlights is a juvenile Ceratosaurus skeleton — a predatory dinosaur that stood over 6 feet tall and stretched nearly 11 feet long.
Sotheby’s has placed an estimated value of $2 million to $4 million on the meteorite, based on its size, rarity, and scientific importance.
Before the auction, the rock was displayed at the Italian Space Agency in Rome, allowing the public and scientists alike to admire and study it.
The identity of the rock’s current owner has not been disclosed. Whether they’re a collector, a dealer, or a private investor remains unknown.
For many collectors, owning a piece of another planet is the ultimate prize. Martian meteorites carry a sense of mystery, science, and cosmic adventure that few objects can match.
Beyond their collector appeal, Martian meteorites have significant scientific value, offering clues about the geology, history, and potential past habitability of Mars.
The upcoming Sotheby’s auction represents a historic opportunity to own the largest Martian meteorite ever discovered on Earth. With its massive size, confirmed Martian origin, and stunning physical characteristics, NWA 16788 is more than just a space rock — it’s a once-in-a-generation artifact of interplanetary history. Whether it ends up in a museum or a private collection, one thing is clear: this rock is out of this world. And for more info , feel free to contact us.
Scientists analyzed its chemical composition and compared it with the data collected by NASA’s Viking probe on Mars, confirming it matched Martian material.
It was discovered in the Sahara Desert in Niger by a meteorite hunter in November 2023.
It’s the largest Martian meteorite ever found, classified as a rare olivine-microgabbroic shergottite. It provides valuable information about Mars’ volcanic activity and geology.
Out of over 77,000 cataloged meteorites on Earth, only about 400 are confirmed to have come from Mars.
The auction will be held at Sotheby’s in New York during a natural history-themed sale this Wednesday.
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