Martian Meteorites

Martian meteorites are rocks from Mars that were ejected by large impacts, traveled through interplanetary space, and fell to Earth. They are the only samples of the Martian surface available outside of mission-returned material, and among the rarest and most scientifically significant objects in any collector market. Unless specifically stated in the listing, specimens in this collection are Meteoritical Bulletin classified.

Confirmed pieces of another planet

Martian origin is established through trapped gas compositions in mineral inclusions that match the Martian atmospheric composition measured directly by NASA's Viking landers in 1976. This is the definitive proof. No terrestrial process or other meteorite type produces an identical gas signature. Additional confirmation comes from oxygen isotope ratios, pyroxene compositions, and trace element patterns that collectively place these rocks on Mars beyond any reasonable scientific doubt.

Types of Martian meteorites

Shergottites are the most common Martian meteorite type, made of basaltic rocks from the Martian crust or mantle with crystallization ages of 150 to 600 million years. They are further divided into basaltic, olivine-phyric, and lherzolitic subtypes based on mineralogy. Their relatively young ages suggest Mars had active volcanism far more recently than previously thought.

Nakhlites are clinopyroxene-rich cumulate rocks that crystallized from slow-cooling magma roughly 1.3 billion years ago. They contain hydrous alteration minerals indicating exposure to liquid water on Mars, making them especially valuable for astrobiology research.

Chassignites are dunites composed almost entirely of olivine, also formed by slow magmatic cumulate processes. Only a handful of chassignites are known, making them among the rarest Martian specimens.

Rarity in context

Approximately 300 confirmed Martian meteorites are known worldwide, with a combined weight of only a few hundred kilograms. They are rarer than lunar meteorites by total mass. A gram of authenticated Martian meteorite represents material from a world 225 million kilometers away at closest approach, material that has never been touched by human hands on its planet of origin.

Frequently asked questions

How do we know these came from Mars? Through trapped noble gas compositions in glassy mineral inclusions that match the Martian atmosphere as measured by NASA's Viking landers. This is the definitive test. Read more: What Is a Martian Meteorite?

What is a shergottite? Shergottites are the most common Martian meteorite type, made of basaltic rocks from the Martian crust or mantle. They are further divided into basaltic, olivine-phyric, and lherzolitic subtypes based on mineralogy.

Are these specimens authenticated? Unless specifically stated in the listing title or description, specimens in this collection are Meteoritical Bulletin classified with a direct link to the official record. Every purchase ships with a Treasure Coast Meteorite Co. certificate of authenticity.

How much do Martian meteorites cost? Martian meteorites are among the most expensive meteorite types by weight, often comparable to or higher than lunar meteorites because supply is even more limited. Pricing varies by classification, condition, and whether the specimen is a complete individual or a slice. Read more: How Much Do Meteorites Cost?

How can I tell a Martian meteorite is real? Genuine Martian meteorites have a Meteoritical Bulletin entry, ship with documentation, and come from established dealers. Visual identification alone is not reliable because shergottites can resemble terrestrial basalts. Read more: How Can You Tell if a Meteorite Is Real?

See also: Lunar Meteorites · What Is a Martian Meteorite? · Types of Meteorites · Are Meteorites Illegal to Own?