How Much Can You Sell a Meteorite For?

Meteorites, fragments of rock or metal from space, capture significant human interest due to their extraterrestrial origins. These objects hold scientific importance and can also possess considerable financial value in the collector’s market. Understanding the characteristics that define these cosmic travelers and the factors influencing their worth is an important first step for anyone considering their potential sale. This guide aims to demystify the process, offering insights into identifying, valuing, and selling a meteorite.

Identifying a Meteorite

Confirming authenticity is the initial step in determining a meteorite’s value. Most meteorites exhibit specific characteristics that differentiate them from common terrestrial rocks. One notable feature is their density; meteorites often feel unusually heavy for their size because they typically contain metallic iron and other dense minerals.

Many meteorites, particularly iron and stony-iron types, are also magnetic due to their nickel-iron content. While some Earth rocks can also be magnetic, a strong attraction to a magnet is a common preliminary indicator for meteorites. Freshly fallen meteorites often display a fusion crust, a thin, dark, often shiny or matte-black rind formed as the outer surface melts during atmospheric entry.

Another distinguishing characteristic found on some meteorites are regmaglypts, which are thumbprint-like indentations on the surface caused by ablation during flight. Unlike many volcanic rocks, meteorites are solid and generally not porous or bubbly. While these characteristics offer initial clues, definitive identification requires expert analysis.

Professional verification from institutions like university geology departments, natural history museums, or reputable meteorite dealers is essential. Experts analyze nickel content, typically present in extraterrestrial iron but rare in terrestrial iron, and examine thin sections under a microscope for specific mineral structures like chondrules. Sending a small sample for analysis is a standard procedure to confirm its cosmic origin and classify its type.

Key Factors Determining Meteorite Value

A meteorite’s market price is influenced by several criteria, extending beyond its identification. Rarity and type are primary determinants of its value. Different classifications, such as stony, iron, and stony-iron meteorites, command varying prices, with rarer subgroups often being more valuable. Lunar and Martian meteorites are exceptionally scarce and can be valued at thousands of dollars per gram, reflecting their unique origins and limited availability.

Size and weight generally contribute to a meteorite’s value, with larger specimens typically fetching higher prices. However, quality and rarity can override size; a small, rare meteorite might be more valuable than a large, common one. Condition and completeness also significantly impact its desirability. Well-preserved specimens with minimal terrestrial weathering or aesthetic features like distinct flow lines are more sought after.

Provenance and thorough documentation are highly important, providing a clear chain of custody and confirming authenticity. Details like where and when the meteorite was found, along with official classification results, add considerable value and buyer confidence. Visual appeal plays a role, as specimens with unique shapes or stunning internal structures when cut and polished can be highly prized. Meteorites offering unique scientific insights or from witnessed falls can be of particular interest to researchers and collectors, sometimes commanding higher prices due to their scientific significance.

Selling Your Meteorite

Selling a verified meteorite begins with formal authentication. Even after initial identification, serious buyers typically require formal classification and registration, often with The Meteoritical Society. This process entails submitting a small sample to a specialized laboratory for analysis, which incurs costs and takes time. Official classification validates the meteorite’s origin and type, crucial for establishing marketability and increasing its value.

Once formally classified, several avenues exist for selling a meteorite. Reputable meteorite dealers offer quick sales, leveraging their expertise and networks. Dealers may purchase outright (20-35% of retail) or sell on consignment (25-35% commission).

Auction houses provide another option, potentially yielding higher prices for rare or significant specimens. However, sellers should anticipate various fees, including a 10-35% commission, along with marketing, cataloging, and insurance costs. Online marketplaces and specialized forums also exist for direct sales to collectors, requiring seller due diligence for secure transactions.

When preparing for sale, include clear, high-quality photographs, an accurate description, and all available documentation, including classification papers. Profit from a meteorite sale, considered a collectible by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), may be subject to capital gains tax. If held for more than one year, gains from collectibles are taxed at a maximum federal rate of 28%. If held for one year or less, the gain is taxed as ordinary income at your marginal tax rate.

The cost basis, including purchase price and any associated fees or classification costs, is subtracted from the sale price to determine the taxable gain. For sales processed through a broker or auction house, sellers may receive IRS Form 1099-B, reporting the proceeds. This information, along with the calculated gain or loss, is reported on IRS Form 8949 and Schedule D. Careful record-keeping of all expenses related to the meteorite, from acquisition to classification, is important for accurate tax reporting. Secure shipping methods with appropriate insurance are recommended for valuable items, and payment methods should be verified to ensure a safe transaction.