Meteorites are natural objects that originate in space, survive their fiery entry through the Earth’s atmosphere, and ultimately impact the planet’s surface. The market for these extraterrestrial fragments is highly variable, with costs ranging from affordable samples to exceptionally rare specimens that command prices rivaling precious metals. Understanding the market for these cosmic travelers requires recognizing the vast differences in their availability and scientific significance. The value of a meteorite is not uniform; it is a complex calculation based on factors that extend far beyond mere weight.
Baseline Pricing and Market Overview
The commercial price of a meteorite is calculated on a per-gram basis, and the most common types establish the floor of the market. Ordinary chondrites, which are stony meteorites and the most abundant type to fall to Earth, are the most accessible for new collectors. These can often be purchased for a few dollars per gram, with some bulk finds costing as little as $0.50 to $5.00 per gram, making them an affordable way to own a piece of the early solar system. Iron meteorites, such as the widely available Campo del Cielo specimens, often fall into a similar price bracket, generally ranging from $0.50 to $10.00 per gram for basic specimens.
Prices begin to escalate for specimens with particular aesthetic qualities or a higher degree of rarity. Visually striking stony-iron meteorites known as pallasites, which contain gem-like olivine crystals embedded in a metal matrix, can start around $20 per gram. High-quality, prepared slices of pallasites that display translucent crystals may reach $100 per gram or more. Meteorites from witnessed falls, like the Sikhote-Alin iron meteorite, also command a premium due to their documented history, often selling for $2 to $3 per gram for aesthetic individuals.
Key Determinants of Meteorite Value
The primary driver of a meteorite’s high value is its classification and extreme rarity, with materials from the Moon or Mars being the most coveted. Lunar and Martian meteorites, which are achondrites, are extraordinarily scarce and can easily sell for $1,000 to $3,000 or more per gram, a price point that reflects their origin from another planetary body. Only a few hundred authenticated specimens of these planetary fragments are known, creating a market driven by intense scarcity.
The Total Known Weight (TKW) of a specific fall or find significantly influences its price; the fewer known specimens available on the private market, the higher the value. Some rare classifications that were once highly priced have seen their value drop as new, large finds, particularly from the deserts of Northwest Africa, have increased the total available material. Provenance, or the documented history of the specimen, also adds value, especially if it was a witnessed fall or has been scientifically classified and listed in the Meteoritical Bulletin Database.
The physical condition and appearance of the specimen are also important factors for collectors. Meteorites that retain a fresh, complete fusion crust—the thin, glassy rind formed during atmospheric entry—are more desirable than weathered specimens. Furthermore, specimens with well-defined surface pits called regmaglypts, or those that are perfectly “oriented” (meaning they maintained a stable position during flight), can be valued much higher due to their aesthetic and scientific appeal. For many types, the quality of the preparation, such as the etching of iron meteorites to reveal their internal crystalline structure, also impacts the final price.
How to Authenticate and Purchase Meteorites
Individuals interested in purchasing a meteorite must take steps to verify its authenticity, as many terrestrial rocks, often called “meteor-wrongs,” are mistakenly or fraudulently sold as space rocks. Most genuine meteorites, even stony types, contain metallic iron and will react to a strong magnet, which is a simple initial test. However, the most reliable verification comes from a professional analysis, which often involves cutting a small slice to examine the internal structure for characteristics like chondrules or a nickel-iron alloy.
Buyers should always require proper documentation, such as classification papers from a professional laboratory or confirmation that the specimen is listed in the official Meteoritical Bulletin Database. Reputable purchasing channels include well-known, established dealers, major auction houses, and specialized scientific shows, all of which prioritize provenance and offer a guarantee of authenticity. Buying from unverified online listings or unknown sellers carries a high risk of acquiring a worthless terrestrial rock.
A brief consideration of legal issues is also relevant, as the ownership of a meteorite can affect its market legitimacy. In most regions, a meteorite found on private land is considered the property of the landowner, and sellers should be able to document the legal source of the material. Dealing with trusted sources who understand these legal and scientific requirements is the best way to ensure that the purchased specimen is a genuine, properly valued piece of space history.