In a cosmic twist of fate, a remarkable 54-pound meteorite, sporting a striking red hue and a glossy crust, is set to dazzle auctioneers this month. Known as NWA16788, this gem of the universe is believed to be the largest piece of Mars ever to grace our humble planet. The auction is scheduled for July 16th, and it’s expected that this Martian specimen will attract some serious bids, potentially fetching between $2 million and $4 million, making it the priciest meteorite to ever hit the auction block.
The story of NWA16788 begins in November 2023, when it was unearthed in the remote Agadez region of the Sahara Desert. This location is about as far from the hustle and bustle of city life as one can get, so it’s no wonder this meteorite was described as a “once in a generation find.” The piece boasts a glassy fusion crust—an indication that it was blasted off Mars by an asteroid impact so fierce that it transformed some of its minerals into glass. Talk about a rocky road to our planet!
Now, here’s a fun fact: Of the approximately 77,000 officially recognized meteorites on Earth, only about 400 of them are from our red neighbor, Mars. The combined weight of all these Martian relics is roughly 825 pounds, which means NWA16788 accounts for nearly 7% of the total Martian material that’s ever been found here. If that doesn’t validate its cosmic importance, what does?
Until NWA16788 takes its turn under the auctioneer’s gavel, the Fukang meteorite holds the title for the most expensive meteorite ever offered at auction. Discovered in 2000 in China, the Fukang is classified as a palasite, a fascinating type of stony iron meteorite that contains olivine crystals. This colossal specimen weighs in at over 2,200 pounds, said to be well over 4.5 million years old—potentially even older than our very own Earth! The Fukang has faced its fair share of auction adventures, including a failed bid in 2008 for a 925-pound slice, which was valued at around $2 million but didn’t find a new home.
As the countdown to the auction begins, the world watches with bated breath. Will NWA16788 surpass all expectations and set a new record? The excitement is palpable in the air, and for anyone with an eye for unique collectibles, this can only mean one thing—July 16th is a date to mark on the calendar. Whether one is a serious collector, an aspiring space enthusiast, or simply someone who marvels at the wonders of the universe, this auction is sure to be a spectacle worth witnessing. After all, how often do Earthlings get the chance to bid on a piece of Mars?
