A meteorite is a natural object from outer space that survives passage through Earth’s atmosphere and lands on the surface. These extraterrestrial rocks are fragments of asteroids, comets, or even other planets like Mars or the Moon. The worth of a meteorite varies significantly, meaning not all space rocks hold the same monetary appeal.
Key Factors Influencing Value
The value of a meteorite is determined by several attributes, with rarity being a primary driver. Meteorites are broadly categorized into stony, iron, and stony-iron types, each with varying levels of abundance. Stony meteorites, particularly chondrites, are the most common, while iron and stony-iron meteorites are less frequently found. Lunar and Martian meteorites are exceptionally rare, making them significantly more valuable due to their unique planetary origins.
Size and mass also play a role, as larger, well-preserved specimens typically command higher prices. The value of a meteorite is often calculated on a per-gram basis. The condition and aesthetic appeal contribute to its worth; a meteorite with a distinct fusion crust—the burnt exterior formed during atmospheric entry—or unique surface features like regmaglypts (thumbprint-like depressions) is often more desirable.
Scientific significance can elevate a meteorite’s value, particularly if it’s from an observed fall, meaning its descent through the atmosphere was witnessed. Meteorites with unique mineralogical compositions or those studied and classified by scientists also gain commercial value. A documented history of ownership or discovery, known as provenance, can further enhance a meteorite’s market appeal.
Common Meteorite Price Ranges
The price of meteorites varies widely, largely depending on their type and characteristics. Common stony meteorites, such as ordinary chondrites, might sell for around $0.50 to $5 per gram. Iron meteorites generally have a different pricing structure, with common specimens ranging from $1 to $10 per gram, though unique or rare iron meteorites can exceed $50 per gram.
Rarer types command higher prices. Pallasites, a type of stony-iron meteorite known for their embedded olivine crystals, can range from $50 to $500 per gram, particularly when cut and polished to reveal their internal beauty. Lunar and Martian meteorites are among the most sought-after, with prices often starting at $250 per gram and potentially reaching $1,000 per gram or more due to their scarcity and scientific interest. Complete specimens are often priced differently than cut and polished slices.
Verifying a Meteorite Discovery
Identifying a meteorite requires careful observation, as many terrestrial rocks are often mistaken for them. Most meteorites contain metallic iron, making them responsive to a strong magnet. They are also typically denser and heavier than ordinary Earth rocks of similar size due to their metallic content.
A freshly fallen meteorite often exhibits a fusion crust, a thin, dark, glassy outer layer formed by intense heat during atmospheric passage. Some meteorites may also show regmaglypts, which are shallow, thumbprint-like depressions on their surface. When broken, the interior of a stony meteorite may reveal small, spherical structures called chondrules, ancient components from the early solar system.
Common look-alikes include slag, a byproduct of industrial processes that can be magnetic and appear melted but often contains vesicles or bubbles not typically found in meteorites. Hematite and magnetite are magnetic Earth minerals that can be confused with meteorites, but a streak test—rubbing the rock on unglazed ceramic—can differentiate them. Hematite leaves a reddish-brown streak and magnetite a gray-black streak, while most meteorites leave no streak. Definitive identification ultimately requires professional analysis.
Next Steps for Meteorite Owners
If you believe you have found a genuine meteorite, document your find, including the exact location, date, and circumstances of its discovery. Taking clear photographs from various angles can also be beneficial. For professional identification and potential appraisal, reputable meteorite dealers, university geology departments, or natural history museums are good resources.
Legal considerations regarding meteorite ownership vary by location. In countries like the United States, meteorites found on private land generally belong to the landowner. However, those found on public land may be subject to different regulations, and some countries have laws declaring meteorites state property. Once identified and classified, options for selling a meteorite include specialized meteorite dealers, reputable online marketplaces, or auction houses that handle natural history items.