The Largest Martian Rock Ever Found on Earth Sells for $5.3 Million at Sotheby’s Auction
One of the most significant Martian rocks to ever land on Earth has been sold at a Sotheby’s auction for a staggering sum of nearly US$5.3 million to an undisclosed buyer.
This massive chunk of Mars, known as meteorite NWA-16788, weighs 24.67 kilograms (54.39 pounds), making it the largest individual Martian rock ever discovered on our planet. Surpassing the previous record-holder, Taoudenni 002, found in Mali in 2021, which weighed 14.51 kg.
The Sotheby’s auction for NWA-16788 commenced on July 16 at 14:00 UTC and concluded less than five hours later at 18:46 UTC. Initially estimated to fetch between $2 million and $4 million, the meteorite ultimately fetched a remarkable $5.296 million.
The exceptional condition and unique history of NWA-16788 likely contributed to its exceeding value. According to the Sotheby’s listing, the meteorite exhibits minimal terrestrial weathering, suggesting that its physical and chemical composition has remained largely unchanged since it arrived in the Sahara Desert.
Analysis of the rock indicates that it likely originated from Mars and was propelled towards Earth following a cataclysmic impact on the Martian surface. The presence of shock-melted areas and maskelynite, a glass formed under extreme heat and pressure, support this hypothesis.
NWA-16788 is characterized by a coarse-grained texture primarily composed of pyroxene, maskelynite, and olivine, indicating its formation from the slow cooling of Martian magma. Such micro-gabbroic qualities make it a rare find, with only 5.4 percent of Mars meteorites classified in this category.
Discovered in the Agadez region of Niger in November 2023 by a dedicated meteorite hunter, a sample of NWA-16788 was sent to the Shanghai Astronomy Museum for confirmation of its Martian origin.
Controversy Surrounding the Auction
The auction of NWA-16788 sparked debate within the scientific community, with some questioning the commodification of such a rare scientific specimen. Paleontologist Steve Brusatte from the University of Edinburgh expressed concerns about the meteorite potentially being sequestered by a private collector instead of being displayed in a public museum for educational purposes.
On the other hand, University of Leicester planetary scientist Julia Cartwright suggested that the scientific value of the rock would endure, even in private hands, as the new owner may continue to study and contribute to our understanding of Mars through this unique specimen.
With the identity of the successful bidder undisclosed, the future of this extraordinary Martian meteorite remains uncertain, raising questions about its accessibility for scientific research and public engagement.
