How Much Money Is a Meteorite Worth?

The value of a meteorite, a rock from space that survives entry into Earth’s atmosphere and lands on the surface, varies significantly. While finding a space rock with considerable monetary worth is captivating, not all discoveries hold substantial financial value. Identifying a potential meteorite is the initial step in determining its true nature and market potential, requiring an understanding of its distinguishing characteristics from common terrestrial rocks.

Identifying Potential Meteorites

Identifying a meteorite often begins with recognizing distinct physical characteristics that set them apart from common Earth rocks, sometimes called “meteorwrongs.” A key indicator is the presence of a fusion crust, a thin, dark rind that forms as the meteorite’s surface melts during atmospheric descent. This crust can be black on fresh falls and may show flow lines, weathering to a rusty brown over time.

Another common feature is regmaglypts, thumbprint-like indentations on the meteorite’s surface, formed by ablation during atmospheric entry. Meteorites generally feel denser or heavier than typical Earth rocks of comparable size, due to their metallic iron content. Most meteorites also exhibit magnetism from their iron-nickel composition; a strong magnet will typically adhere to them, even to most stony varieties. Inside, one might observe shiny metallic flakes or tiny, spherical particles called chondrules, found in many stony meteorites.

Many terrestrial rocks are frequently mistaken for meteorites. Slag, a byproduct of metal smelting, is a common meteorwrong that can appear bubbly or glassy. Magnetite and hematite, both iron oxides, can also be confused with meteorites; magnetite is strongly magnetic, while hematite is less so. These iron oxides may leave a streak when rubbed on unglazed ceramic, with magnetite yielding a black or gray streak and hematite a red or brown one, unlike most meteorites. Volcanic rocks, which often contain bubbles or vesicles, are typically not meteorites since true meteorites rarely have such internal voids. Rocks containing quartz or visible, colorful crystals are also generally not meteorites, as these minerals are uncommon in extraterrestrial rocks.

Key Factors Determining Value

The market value of a meteorite is influenced by specific attributes, with rarity often being the primary determinant. Meteorites are broadly categorized into stony, iron, and stony-iron types, with significant price variations. Lunar and Martian meteorites are among the rarest and command the highest prices, often selling for $1,000 to $3,000 or more per gram due to their scarcity and scientific significance. Achondrites, a type of stony meteorite lacking chondrules, are also highly valued as they originate from differentiated planetary bodies or asteroids. In contrast, ordinary chondrites, the most common stony meteorite, typically sell for much lower prices, ranging from $0.50 to $2 per gram.

Iron meteorites vary widely in value; common ones might sell for $0.50 to $10 per gram, while unique specimens fetch higher prices. Stony-iron meteorites, particularly pallasites, are prized for their aesthetic appeal, featuring olivine crystals embedded in a metallic matrix. They can range from $40 to $100 per gram for premium slices, sometimes reaching up to $500 per gram. Size and weight also play a role, with larger specimens generally being more valuable.

Scientific significance contributes to a meteorite’s worth, especially if it offers unique insights into the solar system’s formation or contains unusual minerals. Aesthetic qualities, such as an appealing shape, an intact fusion crust, or the presence of regmaglypts, can significantly increase marketability. In iron meteorites, cutting and polishing can reveal intricate internal crystalline structures known as Widmanstätten patterns, which form from the extremely slow cooling of iron-nickel alloys over millions of years and are highly sought after by collectors.

Provenance, or the meteorite’s documented history, also influences its value. Witnessed falls, meaning meteorites observed falling to Earth and subsequently recovered, often command higher prices than finds, which are discovered later without a known fall event.

Classification, Appraisal, and Sale

Once a potential meteorite is found, professional classification is crucial for authenticating the specimen and establishing its scientific identity. Qualified meteoriticists at university laboratories or specialized institutions typically perform this process. Classification validates the meteorite’s authenticity and assigns it a specific type, directly impacting its market value and scientific recognition. The process is detailed, can involve cutting a small sample for analysis, and costs potentially range from several hundred dollars, with more for rare types like lunar or Martian meteorites, taking several months to complete. Obtaining official classification and listing the meteorite in the Meteoritical Bulletin Database adds commercial value.

Following classification, an appraisal can be sought to determine the meteorite’s market value. Reputable meteorite dealers or auction houses specializing in natural history items can provide appraisals based on the meteorite’s classification, rarity, aesthetic appeal, and current market demand. This provides a professional estimate of worth, guiding potential sales.

Selling a verified and appraised meteorite involves several avenues. Specialized meteorite dealers, both online and physical, are common buyers, offering expertise and a direct market for collectors. Online marketplaces and dedicated meteorite websites also provide platforms for sale. For high-value specimens, reputable auction houses that handle natural history or scientific artifacts may be suitable. Working with trusted entities is important to ensure fair value and legitimate transactions.