Largest meteorite from Mars sold for $4.3 million

The largest known piece of Mars ever found on Earth has been sold for $4.3 million at an auction in New York, BBC reported.

The meteorite, named NWA 16788, weighs 54 pounds (24.5 kg) and is nearly 15 inches (38.1 cm) long. It was discovered in a remote desert region of Niger in November 2023 and is 70% larger than any other Martian rock recovered to date.

Described as “unbelievably rare” by Sotheby’s, this reddish-brown meteorite is one of only about 400 Martian meteorites ever found on Earth.

“This is the largest piece of Mars on planet Earth,” said Cassandra Hatton of Sotheby’s. “Considering 70% of Earth is water, we’re lucky it landed on dry ground.”

The buyer's identity remains confidential. Including taxes and fees, the final price was approximately $5.3 million.

At the same auction, a Ceratosaurus skeleton from the Jurassic era sold for $26 million, while a Pachycephalosaurus skull fetched $1.4 million. Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!