Mars Rock Worth 20 Million Polish Złoty Found
Largest Martian Meteorite Discovered in Sahara Desert
A remarkable 24.5 kg meteorite, designated NWA 16788, was unearthed in the Sahara Desert in Niger in november 2023, representing the largest known fragment of Mars ever found on Earth. the meteorite sold at auction in July 2025 for USD 5.3 million (approximately PLN 20 million), highlighting its extraordinary scientific and collector value.
Exceptional Size and Composition
Measuring 375 × 279 × 152 mm,NWA 16788 is roughly 70 percent larger than any previously discovered Martian meteorite. Remarkably, it accounts for approximately 7% of all known martian material recovered on Earth.
The meteorite’s distinctive deep red hue and significant size immediately set it apart. Cassandra Hatton, Vice President of Science and Natural History at Sotheby’s, noted the meteorite “provides a tangible connection to the red planet – our celestial neighbor that has long captured human imagination.”
Tracing its Origins to Mars
Detailed analysis, including comparisons with data from the 1976 Viking probe landings on mars, confirmed the meteorite’s extraterrestrial origin. Researchers identified the presence of pyroxene and olivine, minerals commonly formed through the slow cooling of Martian magma, further supporting its Martian provenance.
The meteorite’s journey from Mars began with a powerful asteroid impact. This impact was forceful enough to eject material from the Martian surface into space, and even partially vitrified the rock, transforming sections into glass. A subsequent glassy crust formed as the meteorite traversed Earth’s atmosphere.