Meteorite NWA 16788 Sells for $5.3 Million

NWA 16788, an impressive rock from Mars, not only enchanted scientists, but also made history when it was auctioned for around US$1,400,000.

In this article, we'll explore the meteorite's fascinating discovery in the Sahara Desert, its 225-million-kilometer journey to Earth, and its scientific significance.

Additionally, we will compare this with other Martian material found and analyze recent auction records for dinosaur fossils, including the juvenile skeleton of the Ceratosaurus species, which fetched an impressive US$1,400,000.

Record Sale of Meteorite NWA 16788

The meteorite NWA 16788 became a valuable treasure after being auctioned off by US$ 5.3 million at an auction.

This space rock, discovered in the remote Sahara Desert, Niger, stood out for its impressive dimensions and uniqueness.

With a considerable weight of 25 kilos, your journey to our planet is fascinating.

After being projected from Mars by an asteroid collision, the meteorite traveled through astonishing 225 million kilometers.

It differentiates itself as being 70% larger than any other Martian fragment previously discovered, marking a significant milestone in the study of meteorites.

Not only is its size impressive, but also its scientific value.

Representing about 7% of all Martian material on Earth, its acquisition arouses international interest, both for its rarity and for its contributions to the understanding of the red planet.

Furthermore, the sale of NWA 16788 reflects a growing interest in the space collectibles market, where interplanetary history and extraterrestrial resources fascinate enthusiasts and investors.

High Values in Scientific Auctions

The scientific parts market reached new heights with the sale of the NWA 16788 meteorite for US$1,400,000 and, in parallel, with the juvenile Ceratosaurus skeleton sold for US$1,400,000.000.

These values demonstrate the growing interest of collectors and institutions in rare specimens.

The following table illustrates each artifact's position among the highest records in recent years, including the Stegosaurus, which sold for US$1,400,000 the previous year.

Comparison between NWA 16788 and Other Meteorites

The study of Martian meteorites, such as the NWA 16788, reveals important clues about the red planet.

With a weight of 25 kilos, this meteorite is not only the biggest on Earth, but also one of the most intriguing for scientific research.

Read more about its auction value.

Below are some comparisons to highlight its unique characteristics relative to other Martian meteorites:

• NWA 16788 – 25 kg, 70% larger than the second placed.
• Scientific relevance – It has about 7% of all Martian material on Earth.
• Igneous composition – Preserves clues about the interior of Mars.

A importance of this meteorite lies in its ability to provide valuable data for comparative geology studies, helping to unlock secrets about the formation and evolution of Mars.

In short, the record sale of NWA 16788 and the high values of dinosaur fossils reflect the growing appreciation and value of natural history, fascinating scientists and collectors alike.