Meteorites, fascinating remnants from the early solar system, capture the imagination with their extraterrestrial origins. These unique space rocks often carry significant monetary value, which can vary considerably based on several distinct characteristics. Understanding what influences a meteorite’s worth, from its intrinsic properties to its journey to Earth, is essential for anyone interested in these cosmic treasures.
What Are Meteorites?
Meteorites are solid pieces of debris that originate in outer space and survive their fiery passage through Earth’s atmosphere to reach the surface. They differ from meteoroids, which are the objects traveling through space, and meteors, which are the bright streaks of light seen when meteoroids burn up in the atmosphere, often called “shooting stars”. Most meteorites are fragments of asteroids, rocky bodies primarily found in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. Some rare meteorites can also originate from the Moon or Mars, having been ejected into space by impacts on those bodies.
Meteorites are broadly categorized into three main types: stony, iron, and stony-iron. Stony meteorites, composed mainly of silicate minerals, are the most common. Iron meteorites consist predominantly of iron and nickel, representing pieces of the cores of ancient asteroids. Stony-iron meteorites contain significant amounts of both metallic and rocky material, offering a blend of these compositions.
Key Factors Influencing Meteorite Value
Rarity is a central factor in a meteorite’s value. Lunar and Martian meteorites are exceptionally rare, commanding higher prices due to their unique origins. Achondrites, a type of stony meteorite that has undergone melting, are rarer and more valuable than common chondrites.
Size and weight are important, with larger specimens often having higher value for display. However, even small pieces of rare types can be valuable. Aesthetic appeal also influences worth; features like a well-preserved fusion crust or regmaglypts enhance desirability. An attractive internal structure, such as olivine inclusions in pallasites, increases value when specimens are cut and polished.
Scientific importance contributes to a meteorite’s value, particularly if it offers unique insights or contains unusual minerals. Classified meteorites gain commercial value, as their acceptance into official literature adds credibility. Provenance, detailing where and when a meteorite was found, along with historical significance, boosts its appeal and price. The meteorite’s condition, including weathering and completeness, directly impacts its value, with well-preserved specimens being more sought after.
Typical Costs by Meteorite Type
The cost of meteorites varies widely, ranging from less than a dollar per gram to thousands of dollars per gram, primarily influenced by their type and rarity. Ordinary chondrites, which are the most common stony meteorites, sell for around $0.50 to $5 per gram for unclassified or common specimens. More aesthetically pleasing or well-documented ordinary chondrites, such as those from witnessed falls like Gao-Guenie, might fetch around $1.50 per gram.
Iron meteorites, while less common than stony meteorites, are priced between $2 to $8 per gram for common types like Sikhote-Alin or Campo del Cielo. These can be recognized by their metallic composition and, when etched, often display unique crystalline patterns called Widmanstätten patterns. Stony-iron meteorites, particularly pallasites, are among the most visually striking and can command prices from $20 to $40 per gram, or even up to $500 per gram for high-quality specimens, due to their embedded olivine crystals. Stable pallasites like Imilac and Esquel are highly prized, with some slices fetching thousands of dollars.
At the highest end of the pricing spectrum are lunar and Martian meteorites, which are exceedingly rare. Lunar meteorites can reach prices of $1,000 per gram or more, with some selling for thousands per gram depending on their specific characteristics and market demand. Martian meteorites also command high prices, often exceeding $250 to $1,000 per gram, especially for rare types or those from historic falls.
Where to Purchase Meteorites
Acquiring meteorites requires seeking out reputable sources to ensure the authenticity and quality of the specimens. Specialized meteorite dealers are a primary avenue for purchase, offering a range of classified and documented meteorites. These dealers often operate both online and through brick-and-mortar stores, providing detailed information about each specimen’s origin and classification.
Reputable auction houses occasionally feature significant meteorite specimens, especially those with historical importance or exceptional rarity. These auctions can be competitive, but they often present opportunities to acquire high-value pieces. Gem and mineral shows also serve as venues where meteorite dealers may exhibit and sell their collections, allowing buyers to inspect specimens in person. While less common, some scientific institutions may de-accession specimens, making them available to the public. It is always advisable to buy from sellers who can provide clear provenance and scientific classification for their meteorites.
Ensuring Authenticity
Verifying a meteorite’s authenticity is important for any buyer. The most reliable method involves ensuring the specimen has been classified and certified by a recognized scientific body, such as the Meteoritical Society. This classification process involves laboratory analysis to confirm its extraterrestrial origin and assign it a formal name and type. Reputable sellers will provide documentation, often including a certificate of authenticity that details the meteorite’s classification and provenance.
Buyers should request this documentation and look for sellers with a proven track record and positive reputation within the meteorite community. While visual characteristics can offer initial clues, they are not definitive proof of authenticity on their own. Many meteorites contain iron and nickel, making them magnetic, and iron-rich meteorites may show a unique Widmanstätten pattern when cut and etched. Additionally, real meteorites, especially those with iron content, can be prone to rusting over time. Understanding these basic properties can help distinguish genuine meteorites from common terrestrial rocks or fakes.