The facts
What martian Meteorite actually is
Mineralogically, martian Meteorite is igneous rock ejected from Mars by impact - proven Martian by trapped atmospheric gas matching Viking measurements — Pyroxene, olivine, maskelynite (shocked plagioclase glass), with the distinctive Martian oxygen-isotope signature, crystallising in the aggregate system.
The colour is caused by dark grey-green to black; maskelynite gives a glassy appearance in shocked shergottites. That is worth knowing because it determines what heating, light and time can and cannot do to the stone.
A refractometer gives nothing, because the material is opaque, and the specific gravity sits near 3.00-3.60; cleavage is pyroxene cleavage.
Where martian Meteorite comes from
The recognised sources are Tissint, Guelmim-Es Semara, Morocco (2011 witnessed fall - the most desirable recent material), Northwest Africa numbered finds, including NWA 7034 'Black Beauty', Nakhla, Alexandria Governorate, Egypt (1911 fall), Zagami, Katsina, Nigeria (1962 fall) and Shergotty, Bihar, India (1865 fall); Chassigny, Haute-Marne, France (1815 fall).
Origin affects price in this material, so we name the locality on every quote rather than the country. "African" or "Asian" tells a buyer nothing.
How martian Meteorite is treated
Cut and sealed, nothing more. LEGAL AND AUTHENTICATION: must be classified by an approved institution and published in the Meteoritical Bulletin - unclassified 'Martian' material is worthless and usually a terrestrial basalt or an ordinary achondrite. Egypt restricts export of Nakhla material; Moroccan export sits in the same grey area as other NWA finds. Only around 400 kilograms of Martian material is known on Earth in total, which is the whole basis of the price. Faked constantly.
None of this is a problem when it is said out loud. It becomes one the moment it is left out.
What martian Meteorite is confused with
The usual confusions are Terrestrial basalt and diabase, HED achondrites from Vesta, Ordinary chondrites sold as Martian and Slag.
Because the material is opaque, refractive index is no help. Specific gravity around 3.00-3.60, hardness of 5-6, streak and magnification do the work instead.
What martian Meteorite is used for
Martian Meteorite is bought by mineral collecting and jewellery — and each of those trades wants a different form of the same material.
We quote each application in the unit that trade actually buys in, by the specimen or by the carat.
Durability and care
Hardness 5-6; cleavage pyroxene cleavage. That combination decides what it can safely be set into.
Below about 5.5 a stone will be scratched by ordinary household dust, which is largely quartz. That does not make it unusable — it makes it a pendant, an earring or an object rather than a ring worn every day.
Warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners on anything fracture-filled, stabilised, dyed or visibly included.
What martian Meteorite costs
Indicative pricing for martian Meteorite is $300-1,200 per gram for classified shergottite; Tissint $600-2,500 per gram; nakhlites and historic falls higher.
That is a range, not a quote. Colour, size, clarity, cut and origin move the figure a long way inside it, and the only honest price is one given against a specific stone. Send us what you need and we will price it.
Questions
Is martian Meteorite treated, and how?
Cut and sealed, nothing more. LEGAL AND AUTHENTICATION: must be classified by an approved institution and published in the Meteoritical Bulletin - unclassified 'Martian' material is worthless and usually a terrestrial basalt or an ordinary achondrite. Egypt restricts export of Nakhla material; Moroccan export sits in the same grey area as other NWA finds. Only around 400 kilograms of Martian material is known on Earth in total, which is the whole basis of the price. Faked constantly.
Where does martian Meteorite come from?
Tissint, Guelmim-Es Semara, Morocco (2011 witnessed fall - the most desirable recent material), Northwest Africa numbered finds, including NWA 7034 'Black Beauty', Nakhla, Alexandria Governorate, Egypt (1911 fall), Zagami, Katsina, Nigeria (1962 fall) and Shergotty, Bihar, India (1865 fall); Chassigny, Haute-Marne, France (1815 fall). Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is martian Meteorite hard enough to wear every day?
Not really. At 5-6 on the Mohs scale it is softer than the quartz dust in ordinary household dirt, so it scratches with wear. It suits pendants, earrings and objects better than a daily ring.
How much does martian Meteorite cost?
Indicatively $300-1,200 per gram for classified shergottite; Tissint $600-2,500 per gram; nakhlites and historic falls higher. Colour, size, clarity and origin move the price a long way within that, so treat it as a range and ask for a quote against a specific stone.
What is martian Meteorite confused with?
Most often Terrestrial basalt and diabase, HED achondrites from Vesta, Ordinary chondrites sold as Martian and Slag. Since the material is opaque, separation relies on specific gravity near 3.00-3.60, hardness and magnification.
Related stones
Looking for martian meteorite?
Tell us the size, the quality and what it is for. We source it, photograph it and quote it — with the locality named.
Ask about martian meteorite