Meteorites are objects that have fallen to Earth from outer space. They can be made of a variety of materials, including rock, metal, and even ice. While most meteorites are relatively inexpensive, some are worth a fortune due to their rarity and scientific value. The most expensive meteorites in the world are highly sought after by collectors, scientists, and museums. These rare and valuable objects offer a glimpse into the early history of our solar system and the mysteries of the universe.
- Zagami Martian Achondrites Meteorite – $315096.32
- Gibeon Meteorite – $317,282.00
- Dar al Gani 1058 Meteorite – $318,333.66
- Chelyabinsk Meteorite – $380,617.44
- Zagami Martian Meteorite – $433747.50
- Springwater Meteorite – $583798.85
- Conception Junction Meteorite – $820740.88
- Willamette Meteorite- $966804.08
- Brenham Meteorite – $1018214.40
- Fukang Meteorite – $1931659.00
Zagami Martian Achondrites Meteorite – $315,096.00
This is currently the 10th most expensive meteorite in the world. Zagami Martian achondrites are meteorites that originated from the planet Mars. These meteorites are believed to be pieces of the Martian crust that were blasted off the planet by a meteor impact. They are composed of a variety of minerals, including pyroxene, olivine, and plagioclase feldspar.
Zagami Martian achondrites are unique because they contain a variety of different minerals, including ones that are not typically found in other Martian meteorites. They also contain small amounts of water and organic compounds, which has led scientists to believe that they may contain clues about the past habitability of Mars.
These meteorites are relatively rare, with only a few hundred known to exist. They are named after the location where the first sample was found, Zagami, Nigeria.
Gibeon Meteorite – $317,282.00
This is currently the 9th most expensive meteorite in the world. The Gibeon Meteorite is a meteorite that fell in present-day Namibia in Africa around 4,000 years ago. It is composed primarily of iron and nickel and is known for its unique crystalline structure, which makes it highly prized by collectors and scientists. The meteorite is named after the town of Gibeon in Namibia, where it was first discovered in 1838. It is one of the most well-known meteorites in the world and has been studied extensively for its scientific and historical value.
Dar al Gani 1058 Meteorite – $318,333.66
This is currently the 8th most expensive meteorite in the world. Dar al Gani 1058 is a meteorite that was found in the Dar al Gani region of Libya in 1998. It is a type of primitive achondrite, which means it is a stony meteorite that does not contain chondrules (small, round particles that form early in the solar system).
Dar al Gani 1058 is made up of about 50% silicate minerals, such as pyroxene and olivine, and 50% metallic minerals, such as iron and nickel. It also contains small amounts of other minerals, including chromite, plagioclase, and orthopyroxene.
Scientists believe that Dar al Gani 1058 formed around 4.5 billion years ago, shortly after the formation of the solar system. It is thought to be a fragment of a larger asteroid that was impacted by another celestial body, causing it to break off and become a meteorite.
Studies of Dar al Gani 1058 have provided valuable insights into the early solar system and the processes that shaped it. It has also helped scientists understand the formation and evolution of asteroids and other small celestial bodies.
The Chelyabinsk Meteorite – $380,617.44
This is currently the 7th most expensive meteorite in the world. The Chelyabinsk meteorite was a meteor that exploded over the Russian city of Chelyabinsk on February 15, 2013. It is estimated to have been about 20 meters in diameter and weighed around 10,000 metric tons. The explosion occurred at an altitude of around 30 kilometers and released energy equivalent to 500 kilotons of TNT, or about 30 times the power of the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima during World War II.
The explosion caused widespread damage in the city, with more than 1,200 people injured and thousands of buildings damaged. It also caused a bright flash of light and a shock wave that was felt as far as 100 kilometers away. The meteorite was captured on camera by many people in the city, and the footage quickly went viral on the internet.
Scientists later determined that the meteorite was made up of a mixture of rock and iron, and likely originated from the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. It is believed to have been in orbit around the sun for millions of years before it entered the Earth’s atmosphere and exploded. The Chelyabinsk meteorite is considered one of the largest and most well-documented meteorite impacts in modern history.
Zagami Martian Meteorite – $433747.50
This is currently the 6th most expensive meteorite in the world. The Zagami Martian meteorite is a meteorite that was found in Nigeria in 1962 and is believed to have originated from Mars. It is classified as a shergottite, which is a type of meteorite that is thought to be a piece of the Martian crust that was ejected from the planet during a volcanic eruption.
The Zagami meteorite is notable for its high concentration of water and other volatile compounds, as well as for the presence of several minerals that are not commonly found on Earth. It has been studied extensively by scientists to learn more about the geology and history of Mars.
One interesting aspect of the Zagami meteorite is that it appears to have been subjected to high pressures and temperatures during its time on Mars, which suggests that it may have been a part of a deep underground magma chamber. This has led scientists to theorize that Mars may have had a more active geology in the past than it does today.
Overall, the Zagami Martian meteorite is an important piece of evidence in our understanding of the geology and history of Mars and continues to be studied by scientists around the world.
Springwater Meteorite – $583798.85
This is currently the 5th expensive meteorite in the world. The Springwater meteorite is a type of meteorite that fell to Earth in the town of Springwater, Saskatchewan in Canada on December 10, 2008. It is classified as a chondrite, which is a type of meteorite that is made up of small, spherical particles called chondrules. The Springwater meteorite is believed to have originated from the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.
The meteorite was discovered by a farmer who saw a bright light in the sky and heard a loud noise. He later found a small, black rock on his property that turned out to be the meteorite. The rock was later sent to the University of Alberta for analysis and was found to be composed of iron, nickel, and other minerals.
The Springwater meteorite is considered to be a rare and valuable find, as it is only the second meteorite to have ever been discovered in Saskatchewan. It is currently on display at the Royal Saskatchewan Museum in Regina.
Conception Junction Meteorite – $820740.88
This is currently the 4th expensive meteorite in the world. The Conception Junction meteorite is a small meteorite that was discovered in Missouri in 1982. It is classified as an H5 ordinary chondrite, which means that it is made up of small, rounded chondrules (rock particles) that are embedded in a fine-grained matrix of other minerals. The meteorite is thought to have formed about 4.5 billion years ago, shortly after the formation of the solar system. It is believed to have come from the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter and was probably ejected from its parent body by a collision or other impact event. The Conception Junction meteorite has been analyzed extensively by scientists, who have used it to study the early history of the solar system and the conditions that existed in the solar nebula (the cloud of gas and dust from which the solar system formed).
Willamette Meteorite – $966804.08
This is currently the 3rd expensive meteorite in the world. The Willamette Meteorite is a meteorite that was discovered in the Willamette Valley of Oregon, United States, in 1902. It is believed to have been a part of a larger meteor that broke apart and scattered across the region millions of years ago.
The Willamette Meteorite is considered one of the largest meteorites ever found, weighing in at over 15 tons and measuring over 9 feet tall. It is made up of iron and nickel and is thought to have originated from the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.
The Willamette Meteorite is now on display at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, where it attracts thousands of visitors every year. It is considered a significant piece of scientific history and has been studied extensively by researchers to understand more about the origins and evolution of our solar system.
Brenham Meteorite – $1018214.40
This is currently the 2nd expensive meteorite in the world. The Brenham Meteorite is a meteorite that was discovered in Brenham, Kansas in 1948. It is classified as a pallasite, a type of meteorite that contains both metallic iron and silicate minerals. The Brenham Meteorite is known for its beautiful and unique crystal structures, which have made it a popular specimen for collectors and researchers. It is estimated to be around 4.6 billion years old, making it one of the oldest known objects in the solar system. The Brenham Meteorite is currently housed at the Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center in Hutchinson, Kansas, where it is on display for the public to see.
Fukang Meteorite – $1931659.00
This is currently the most expensive meteorite in the world. The Fukang Meteorite is a pallasite meteorite that was found in Fukang, Xinjiang, China in 2000. It is considered one of the most beautiful and valuable meteorites in the world due to its unique crystalline structure and high content of olivine, a rare gemstone. The Fukang Meteorite is believed to be about 4.5 billion years old and is thought to be a remnant of the early solar system. It is often used in jewelry and other decorative items due to its stunning appearance and rarity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much are meteorites worth?
The value of a meteorite can vary widely based on several factors. These factors include the type of meteorite, its size, weight, rarity, condition, and provenance (its documented history or origin). Here are some key points to consider when determining the value of a meteorite:
- Type of Meteorite: Different types of meteorites have varying values. Iron meteorites, which contain iron and nickel, are often more valuable than stony meteorites because of their composition and rarity. Within each type, there are subcategories, such as pallasites (stony-iron meteorites), which can also have different values.
- Size and Weight: Generally, larger and heavier meteorites are worth more. Small fragments or tiny micrometeorites may have limited value, while large specimens can command higher prices.
- Rarity: Meteorites that are rare, especially those from unique or well-documented events, tend to be more valuable. For example, meteorites from famous falls like the Chelyabinsk meteor in 2013 can be quite valuable due to their historical significance.
- Condition: The condition of a meteorite matters. Well-preserved, unaltered specimens are generally more valuable than those that have weathered or been damaged.
- Provenance: A meteorite’s documented history can influence its value. Meteorites with known and interesting stories, such as being part of a famous fall or having an interesting origin, may command higher prices.
- Market Demand: Market demand and trends can also impact meteorite prices. There may be fluctuations in prices based on collector interest and current events.
- Scientific Interest: Meteorites are valuable not only to collectors but also to scientists. Those with unique or scientifically important characteristics can have higher values due to their research potential.
To get an accurate estimate of the value of a specific meteorite, it’s advisable to consult with experts, such as meteorite dealers, collectors, or meteoriticists. They can assess the meteorite’s characteristics and provide a more precise valuation. Additionally, it’s important to consider that meteorites should be obtained through reputable sources, as there are cases of fraudulent or mislabeled specimens in the meteorite market.
What do meteorites look like?
Meteorites can come in various shapes, sizes, and appearances depending on their type and composition. The three main types of meteorites are stony meteorites, iron meteorites, and stony-iron meteorites, and they have different visual characteristics:
- Stony Meteorites:
- Stony meteorites are composed primarily of rock-like material. They may have a chondritic appearance, which means they contain small, round, and distinct mineral grains. These grains are often visible in the interior and can appear as small, colored spots on the meteorite’s surface.
- Iron Meteorites:
- Iron meteorites are composed primarily of iron and nickel. They typically have a metallic appearance with a shiny, silvery or gray surface. The surface may be rough or pitted, often due to the effects of atmospheric entry.
- Stony-Iron Meteorites (Pallasites):
- Stony-iron meteorites are a combination of both stony and metallic components. They can have a striking appearance with translucent green or yellowish olivine crystals embedded in a metallic matrix.
Meteorites may be small fragments or much larger, and their surface can show signs of fusion crust, which is a thin layer of dark, smooth material formed during their passage through the Earth’s atmosphere. The fusion crust may partially or entirely cover the meteorite, giving it a characteristic black, brown, or reddish exterior. This crust can be weathered or worn off in older meteorites.
It’s important to note that not all meteorites are visually spectacular. Some can be relatively unremarkable in appearance, and their value often comes from their rarity, scientific significance, or historical context. When meteorites are found, it’s important to handle them with care to preserve their scientific and collector value, as excessive cleaning or handling can diminish their characteristics. If you suspect you have found a meteorite, it’s best to consult with experts in the field or a local university or museum to verify its authenticity and type.
What are meteorites made of?
Meteorites are made of various types of materials, including rock, iron, and other metals. The exact composition of a meteorite depends on the type of meteorite it is and where it originated. For example, stony meteorites are made up of minerals similar to those found on Earth, such as quartz and feldspar. Iron meteorites are made up of mostly iron and nickel, while stony-iron meteorites are a combination of both rock and metal. Some meteorites also contain small amounts of organic material, such as amino acids or other complex molecules.
How to sell meteorites?
- Research the market value of the meteorite: Check online marketplaces, such as eBay or Etsy, to see what similar meteorites are selling for. This will give you an idea of the price range you can expect to sell your meteorite for.
- Determine the type of meteorite: Different types of meteorites have different values, so it’s important to accurately classify your meteorite before selling it. You can consult with a meteorite expert or use online resources to identify the type of meteorite you have.
- Gather supporting documentation: Potential buyers will want to know the provenance of the meteorite, so it’s important to have documentation that supports the authenticity of your meteorite. This could include a certificate of authenticity, laboratory analysis reports, or a meteorite expert’s opinion.
- Market the meteorite: There are several ways to market your meteorite for sale. You can create a listing on an online marketplace, such as eBay or Etsy, or you can reach out to collectors or dealers directly through social media or email. It’s also a good idea to take high-quality photographs of the meteorite to showcase its unique features.
- Negotiate the sale: Once you have interested buyers, you’ll need to negotiate the sale. Be prepared to answer questions about the meteorite’s provenance and value, and be open to negotiating the price based on the demand for the meteorite. It’s important to be fair and transparent during the negotiation process to build trust with potential buyers.
What are meteorites?
Meteorites are pieces of rock or metal that have fallen from outer space and landed on Earth. They are formed when asteroids or comets break apart and the pieces fall towards Earth’s surface. Some meteorites come from the asteroid belt, while others may originate from the outer reaches of the solar system. They are valuable scientific specimens because they can provide information about the conditions and materials that existed in the early solar system.
How to find meteorites?
- Look for a rocky area or desert where meteorites are more likely to land and not be obscured by vegetation or other materials.
- Look for a meteorite that is a different color than the surrounding rock. Many meteorites have black, burnt exteriors due to their high-speed entry into the Earth’s atmosphere.
- Look for magnetic meteorites. Many meteorites contain iron and are attracted to a magnet.
- Check for regmaglypts, or thumbprint-like indentations, on the surface of the rock. These are caused by the meteorite’s high-speed entry into the atmosphere and are a characteristic of many meteorites.
- Consider purchasing a metal detector to help locate meteorites.
- Join a local group or club dedicated to finding meteorites. These groups often have resources and expertise that can help in the search.
- Be sure to check with local authorities before collecting any meteorites on public land. It is often illegal to remove geological specimens from public lands without permission.
How to identify meteorites?
There are a few ways to identify meteorites:
- Shape: Meteorites often have a distinctive shape, with a rounded or oblong appearance and a smooth surface.
- Weight: Meteorites are denser than most rocks, so they tend to be heavier than other stones of the same size.
- Fusion crust: Meteorites have a thin, black crust that is formed when the rock passes through the Earth’s atmosphere at high speeds.
- Composition: Meteorites are made up of different materials than Earth rocks, such as iron, nickel, and rare elements like olivine.
- Age: Meteorites are much older than most Earth rocks, with some dating back to the formation of the solar system.
- Location: Meteorites are often found in areas where they have fallen to Earth, such as in deserts or polar regions.
- Testing: If you are still unsure if a rock is a meteorite, it can be tested in a laboratory using a variety of methods, such as x-ray fluorescence or isotopic analysis.
