Largest piece of Mars on Earth sells for $5.3 million at NY auction
The recent auction of rare geological and archaeological objects in New York saw the sale of the largest piece of Mars ever found on Earth for just over $5 million. The 54-pound rock, known as NWA 16788, was discovered in the Sahara Desert in Niger by a meteorite hunter in November 2023. This piece of Mars was blown off the surface of the red planet by a massive asteroid strike and traveled 140 million miles to Earth, according to Sotheby’s.
The rock, which exceeded its estimated sale price of $2 million to $4 million, was eventually sold for $5.3 million. The identity of the buyer has not been disclosed. This Martian meteorite is about 70% larger than the next largest piece of Mars found on Earth and represents nearly 7% of all Martian material currently on our planet. It measures nearly 15 inches by 11 inches by 6 inches.
Only 400 Martian meteorites have been discovered out of the more than 77,000 officially recognized meteorites found on Earth. The rarity of this find adds to its value, making it a unique and sought-after piece for collectors.
The meteorite was examined in a specialized lab and confirmed to be from Mars. It is classified as an “olivine-microgabbroic shergottite,” a type of Martian rock formed from the slow cooling of Martian magma. The glassy surface of the rock indicates the high heat it experienced when entering Earth’s atmosphere.
In addition to the Martian meteorite, a juvenile Ceratosaurus nasicornis dinosaur skeleton was also auctioned off, fetching more than $30 million. The skeleton, found near Laramie, Wyoming, at Bone Cabin Quarry, is believed to be from the late Jurassic period, approximately 150 million years ago.
The auction, part of Sotheby’s Geek Week 2025, featured 122 items including other meteorites, fossils, and gem-quality minerals. The sale of these rare and unique objects highlights the enduring fascination with Earth’s history and the mysteries of our universe.
