10 Most expensive Meteorites in the World

In the vast expanse of our universe, meteorites represent elusive fragments of celestial wonder that captivate both scientific curiosity and human fascination. These extraterrestrial rocks, borne from distant corners of space, have evolved into more than mere geological artifacts; they’re now revered as coveted treasures fetching prices surpassing even the most precious earthly commodities.

Let’s delve into the enthralling realm of the top 10 most expensive meteorites ever discovered on our planet.

• Weight: Unknown
• Age: 4.5 billion years old
• Discovered: 2000, China
• Valued for: rare pallasite with large, transparent olivine crystals; a near-perfect metal/crystal mix.
• Intriguing fact: It is considered one of the most beautiful and rare meteorites on Earth.

Discovered in China in 2000, the Fukang meteorite is a dazzling member of the rare pallasite group. Its allure lies in the near-perfect fusion of nearly equal parts of metallic elements and olivine crystals.

Unlike most meteorites, Fukang boasts large, transparent, and minimally fractured olivines, making it an exceedingly prized find. Its estimated age of 4.5 billion years adds to its mystique, aligning its origins with the ancient history of our planet.

• Weight: 570 kg (1,257 lbs)
• Age: Pre-solar system
• Discovered: 2005, Kansas, USA
• Valued for: most significant American meteorite discovery in decades, extraterrestrial origin.
• Intriguing fact: May predate the Earth itself.

Unearthed outside Greensburg, Kansas, in 2005, this meteorite’s significance transcends its monetary value. Scientists consider it a pivotal American meteorite discovery, captivating the imagination with the notion of possessing a relic not of this world—an object that might predate the birth of our planet.

• Weight: 15.5 tons
• Age: Unknown
• Discovered: 1902, Oregon, USA
• Valued for: largest meteorite found in the USA, colossal size, public viewing attraction.
• Intriguing fact: It holds the record for the most witnessed meteorite fall in the USA.

Weighing a staggering 15.5 tons, the Willamette Meteorite, found in Oregon, holds the distinction of being the largest meteorite discovered in the United States and ranks among the world’s six largest.

Its colossal size, combined with its striking appearance, has attracted millions of admirers over the years, cementing its status as one of the most renowned meteorites globally.

• Weight: 56 kg (123 lbs)
• Age: 4.5 billion years old
• Discovered: 2006, Missouri, USA
• Valued for: exquisite pallasite, only the 20th found in the USA; scattered olivine crystals.
• Intriguing fact: unearthed by amateur meteorite hunters.

Originating from the asteroid belt, this meteorite, a stunning example of a pallasite, was stumbled upon by amateur meteorite hunters in Missouri in 2006. Its rarity—a mere 20th-century palestine found in the United States—enhances its allure, adorned with olivine crystals that speckle its iron-nickel surface.

• Weight: 268 kg (589 lbs)
• Age: 4.5 billion years old
• Discovered: 1931, Saskatchewan, Canada
• Valued for: stony iron pallasite with olivine crystals, unique composition.
• Intriguing fact: purchased by the Royal Ontario Museum for scientific study.

This stony iron pallasite, unearthed near Springwater, Saskatchewan, Canada, in 1931, possesses a mesmerizing mix of olivine crystals and metallic phases. Its age, estimated to be 4.5 billion years, and the stunning display of olivine crystals make it a sought-after collectible, especially among enthusiasts and institutions keen on celestial artifacts.

• Weight: 41 kg (90 lbs)
• Age: 175 million years old
• Discovered: 1962, Nigeria (landed)
• Valued for: largest piece of a Martian meteorite sold; Martian origin.
• Intriguing fact: crystallized from Martian basaltic magma.

Landing in Nigeria in 1962, this meteorite, a part of the Zagami collection, gained attention from planetariums worldwide before its sale in 2006. Being the largest piece of a Martian meteorite available, its value transcends its price tag, embodying a piece of another planet’s history.

• Weight: Fragments totaling 654 tons
• Age: 4.5 billion years old
• Discovered: 2013, Chelyabinsk, Russia
• Valued for: witnessing a fall event; historical significance.
• Intriguing fact: The explosion caused significant damage upon entry; it was stronger than a nuclear bomb.

The Chelyabinsk meteor, although causing significant damage upon its entry into Earth’s atmosphere in 2013, remains an invaluable specimen. Its witnessed fall, accompanied by widespread coverage and scientific interest, elevates its market value due to the historical significance attached to its eventful journey.

• Weight: 1.8 kg (4 lbs)
• Age: 3 billion years old
• Discovered: Found in the Libyan Sahara
• Valued for: largest lunar meteorite ever auctioned; lunar origin.
• Intriguing fact: A piece of the moon is in your hands!

Hailing from the Libyan Sahara, the Dar Al Gani 1058 meteorite stands as the largest lunar meteorite ever made available for auction. With its lunar origin and rarity, it symbolizes a fragment of the moon, captivating collectors and researchers alike.

• Weight: 181 kg (399 lbs)
• Age: 175 million years old
• Discovered: 1962, Nigeria
• Valued for the largest single individual Mars meteorite.
• Intriguing fact: I landed just 10 feet away from a farmer!

This meteorite, originating from Mars and discovered just 10 feet away from a farmer in Nigeria in 1962, showcases the marvels of our neighboring planet, making it a prized possession for enthusiasts and scientific institutions.

• Weight: Over 25 tons total recovered
• Age: 4.5 billion years old
• Discovered: 1836, Namibia
• Valued for its resemblance to Edvard Munch’s “The Scream” and otherworldly appearance.
• Intriguing fact: the largest recovered Gibeon meteorite is nicknamed “Gibeon 11.”

With over 25 tons of this metallic marvel recovered since its discovery in Namibia in 1836, the Gibeon meteorite stands out for its otherworldly resemblance to Edvard Munch’s famed painting, ‘The Scream,’ rendering it a captivating piece in the meteorite market.

Meteorites, with their celestial origins and captivating histories, transcend their material worth, offering glimpses into the cosmic ballet that shapes our universe. As these top 10 exemplify, their allure lies not only in their monetary value but also in the stories they carry—echoes of the universe’s grandeur encapsulated within these otherworldly treasures.

Most expensive Meteorites in the World List

• 1. The Fukang Meteorite ($2 Million)
• 2. The Main Mass of the Brenham Meteorite ($1,056,280+)
• 3. The Willamette Meteorite ($1,313,321)
• 4. The Conception Junction Meteorite ($853,512)
• 5. The Springwater Meteorite ($602,410)
• 6. The Zagami Martian Meteorite ($451,512)
• 7. The Chelyabinsk Meteorite ($396,105)
• 8. Dar Al Gani 1058 Lunar Meteorite ($331,266)
• 9. Main Mass of Zagami Meteorite ($327,730)
• 10. Gibeon Meteorite ($330,090)

The value of a meteorite can vary widely, depending on several key factors like type, size, condition, scientific value, and historical significance. To give you a rough idea of the range, common meteorites can be found for as little as $50–100 per gram, while rare and valuable types can easily fetch thousands of dollars per gram. For example, the Fukang meteorite sold for $2 million, translating to about $1,400 per gram.

Conclusion

From fiery falls to museum marvels, these celestial rocks weave tales of cosmic journeys and ancient origins. More than just million-dollar rocks, they’re fragments of the universe, holding secrets of the cosmos in their stony grasp. Own a piece of the sky and let the wonder begin.