54-Pound Rock Could Fetch Up to $4 Million at Natural History-Themed Auction
A 54-pound Martian meteorite, believed to be the largest ever discovered on Earth, is set to be auctioned in New York as part of a science and natural history sale. The specimen, named NWA 16788, is being offered alongside fossils, rare minerals, and other celestial objects.
Journey from Mars to the Sahara Desert
Experts believe the rock was ejected from Mars following a massive asteroid impact. After traveling approximately 140 million miles (225 million kilometers) through space, it landed in the Sahara Desert, where it was discovered in Niger in November 2023 by a meteorite hunter.
The red, brown, and gray meteorite measures about 15 x 11 x 6 inches (375 x 279 x 152 mm). It is approximately 70% larger than the next largest Martian meteorite and constitutes nearly 7% of all known Martian material on Earth.
Scientific Composition and Rarity
Laboratory testing confirmed the meteorite’s Martian origin, identifying it as an olivine-microgabbroic shergottite, a volcanic rock formed by the slow cooling of Martian magma. It contains pyroxene and olivine, and features a glassy surface—likely a result of extreme heat during atmospheric entry.
The meteorite was previously exhibited at the Italian Space Agency in Rome. Its exact fall date is unknown, but recent testing suggests it landed on Earth within the past few years. With only around 400 Martian meteorites officially recognized among the more than 77,000 found on Earth, this specimen stands out for its size and scientific significance.
The auction is part of a broader science collectibles event featuring 122 lots, including fossils, high-grade minerals, and additional meteorites.
