A meteorite is a natural object from space that survives its passage through Earth’s atmosphere to land on the surface. The value of this cosmic traveler is highly variable, ranging from less than a dollar per gram to thousands of dollars per gram. This price depends almost entirely on the specimen’s scientific classification and its inherent rarity.
How to Confirm a Specimen is a Meteorite
Before financial valuation can begin, a rock must be confirmed as a meteorite, a process that starts with simple at-home tests. The most reliable initial indicator is magnetism, as nearly all meteorites contain extraterrestrial iron-nickel metal that a strong magnet will easily attract. A second test is density, since meteorites tend to feel noticeably heavier than ordinary terrestrial rocks due to their high metallic content.
A third sign, especially for fresh finds, is the presence of a fusion crust, a thin, dark, melted rind formed during atmospheric entry. These initial screenings help rule out “meteorwrongs” like industrial slag or magnetic earth rocks.
To confirm its identity, a finder must submit a small sample to a qualified university or laboratory for professional testing. This involves chemical analysis to confirm the presence of nickel, which is rare in terrestrial iron, and petrographic thin-section analysis to determine its precise classification. Official classification by the Meteoritical Society is required before a specimen can be sold at a high value.
Price Ranges Based on Primary Classification
The baseline price of a meteorite is determined by its primary material classification, which divides them into three main groups. Stony meteorites, known as chondrites, are the most common type, representing approximately 85% of all falls and typically selling for $0.50 to $5 per gram.
Iron meteorites, composed mostly of iron and nickel, are popular for display and jewelry, and generally fall into a mid-range value of $1 to $10 per gram for common types like Campo del Cielo.
Stony-iron meteorites, which include pallasites and mesosiderites, are the rarest of the three main classes and command a higher baseline price. Pallasites are visually stunning, featuring gem-quality olivine crystals embedded in a metallic matrix. Depending on the clarity and color of these crystals, slices of stony-irons can sell for $20 to over $100 per gram.
Specific Factors That Determine Monetary Value
The greatest price modifiers are the rarity of the meteorite’s origin and its specific physical characteristics. The most valuable specimens are planetary meteorites, which are pieces blasted off the surface of the Moon or Mars by ancient impacts. Because of their extreme scarcity, fragments of Lunar or Martian meteorites often start at $250 per gram and can easily reach or exceed $1,000 per gram.
Beyond origin, the aesthetic qualities of a meteorite significantly impact its value to collectors. Sliced iron meteorites that reveal the intricate, crystalline structure known as the Widmanstätten pattern are highly prized. For pallasites, the translucency and distribution of the olivine crystals are paramount, with gem-quality slices fetching a premium over specimens with dark or fractured crystals.
The condition is essential; a fresh fall—a meteorite observed to land and recovered quickly—is substantially more valuable than an old find that has suffered significant terrestrial weathering. The scientific importance of a specimen can also drive up the price, particularly for rare carbonaceous chondrites. These ancient, dark stones often contain organic compounds and pre-solar grains, offering scientists a window into the earliest materials of the solar system.
Formal documentation, including an official name and number registered with the Meteoritical Society, provides provenance and is a requirement for high-value sales. Large, complete specimens or those with an intact fusion crust or thumbprint-like indentations called regmaglypts are valued much higher than mere fragments.
The Market for Meteorites
The meteorite market operates through a network of reputable dealers, specialized auction houses, and online collector groups. It is crucial to have a specimen fully classified and authenticated by a professional before attempting a sale, as this documentation validates its monetary value. Buyers should only purchase from trusted sources that can provide this official nomenclature and guarantee against the high risk of purchasing a “meteorwrong.”
The legal status of a find varies significantly depending on the location of discovery. In the United States, a meteorite found on private property generally belongs to the landowner, based on common law principles. However, meteorites recovered on federal public lands belong to the government. Commercial sale of such finds is prohibited without a specific permit.