Martian Meteorite — Shergottite

$18,518.10
Chemical FormulaPyroxene, maskelynite (shocked glass)
Crystal System
Mohs Hardness6–7
Specific Gravity3.3–3.5
LusterVitreous to dull
TransparencyOpaque

The ultimate provenance story: this rock formed on Mars in a volcanic eruption approximately 180 million years ago. A massive impact blasted it from the Martian surface with enough…

Only 2 available — a rare find.

Description

The universe has 13.8 billion years of history. Some of it fits in your hand. The ultimate provenance story: this rock formed on Mars in a volcanic eruption approximately 180 million years ago. A massive impact blasted it from the Martian surface with enough force to achieve escape velocity. It traveled through interplanetary space before landing on Earth. Martian origin is verified by trapped gas matching Viking lander measurements of the Martian atmosphere.

This specimen originates from Northwest Africa (NWA 2975 type), one of the world’s most significant localities for this type of material. Collectors and scientists have drawn from this region for generations, and for good reason: the combination of geological conditions here produces specimens of exceptional quality and clarity.

Every specimen is unique. Photographs approximate the visual experience, but the real thing — its weight, its luster under a raking light, the way it catches the corner of your eye — can only be experienced directly.

Formation

This material formed outside Earth’s atmosphere, in the early solar system. Its arrival on Earth was the conclusion of a journey billions of years and hundreds of millions of kilometers in the making — from protoplanetary accretion to atmospheric entry to the ground beneath your feet.

Locality

Martian Meteorite — Shergottite from Northwest Africa (NWA 2975 type). This locality is known for producing specimens of exceptional quality.

Collector Notes

Best displayed where natural light can play across the surfaces at different times of day.