At a recent New York auction dedicated to rare geological and archaeological items, a significant piece of Mars, known as NWA 16788, was sold for approximately US$5 million (AU$7.66 million). This meteorite, weighing 25kg and discovered in Niger’s Sahara Desert in November 2023, was blasted off Mars due to a colossal asteroid impact and journeyed roughly 225 million kilometres to Earth. Initially expected to fetch between US$2 million to US$4 million, it ultimately sold for a final bid of US$4.3 million, which, after including fees, totalled around US$5.3 million.
Described as the largest Martian meteorite on Earth, this specimen is approximately 70% bigger than the second-largest known piece and represents nearly 7% of the Martian materials located on our planet. Measuring about 375mm by 279mm by 152mm, its identification as a Martian rock was confirmed through laboratory testing, matching the unique chemical profile of meteorites recorded by the Viking space probe in the 1970s. This meteorite is classified as an olivine-microgabbroic shergottite, which indicates it was formed from slowly cooled Martian magma. Its glossy surface suggests it experienced intense heat during its descent through the Earth’s atmosphere.
The auction also highlighted a juvenile Ceratosaurus skeleton, which fetched over US$30 million (AU$45.95 million). This fossil, featuring nearly 140 assembled bones along with sculpted materials, was discovered in 1996 in Wyoming’s Bone Cabin Quarry. Estimated to date back to the late Jurassic period, about 150 million years ago, the skeleton is over two metres tall and nearly three metres long. Its bidding commenced with an advance offer of US$6 million and rapidly climbed, ultimately closing at US$30.5 million after fees.
Both items were part of Sotheby’s Geek Week 2025, showcasing a total of 122 exceptional pieces, including other meteorites, fossils, and rare minerals. The identity of the buyer for the Martian meteorite remains undisclosed. This auction illustrates growing interest in unique geological finds and the significant value attributed to speculative scientific discoveries.