A large piece of Mars, ejected from the Martian surface by an asteroid strike, is set for sale at Sotheby’s New York, with bidding starting at US$1.6 million ($2.43 million).
Known as NWA 16788, the 24.67 kilogram rock is the largest Martian meteorite and 70% larger than the next biggest piece of Marks known to exist on Earth – representing 6.5% of all Martian material currently known.
This particular Martian rock had travelled 225 million kilometres before landing in the Sahara Desert.
Sotheby’s expects the rare red rock to fetch between US$2-4 million when the live auction begins on 17 July 12am AEST.
NWA 16788 was discovered on 16 November 2023 by a meteorite hunter in Niger’s Agadez region. The Martian meteorite is covered in a reddish-brown fusion crust and shows minimal terrestrial weathering, indicating that its physical and chemical makeup has not been altered since its arrival in the Sahara Desert.
About 21% of NWA 16788 is composed of a glass known as maskelynite, produced when an asteroid struck the Martian surface with such force that it metamorphosed the rock’s original feldspar through intense heat and pressure.
According to Sotheby’s, pieces of Mars are “unbelievably rare”. Of more than 77,000 officially recognised meteorites, only 400 are Martian meteorites, with a combined weight of 374 kilograms.
This rare specimen is being put up for auction just days after World Rock Day (13 July), in which Mining.com.au paid tribute to the rocks that shape the world and the music that moves it.
World Rock Day, established after the Live Aid benefit concert on 13 July 1985, commemorates the event as well as the global movement of sound.
There are several types of resources from Earth used to build instruments and create sound. From guitars to drum kits, the foundation of music is mined from the Earth.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: Sotheby’s
