Largest Martian rock on Earth available for purchase at Sotheby’s auction. Origin story included.

Sotheby’s Auction House in New York is set to host an extraordinary event during Geek Week 2025, showcasing rare and unique natural history items, including a massive Martian meteorite and a juvenile dinosaur skeleton. Among the 122 items up for auction, the highlights are the 54-pound Martian meteorite known as NWA 16788 and a Ceratosaurus skeleton from the late Jurassic period.

The Martian meteorite, NWA 16788, is considered the largest piece of Mars ever discovered on Earth, weighing in at an impressive 54 pounds. It is estimated to fetch between $2 million and $4 million at the auction. This rare specimen is 70% larger than any other Martian meteorite previously found, making it a highly sought-after piece for collectors and enthusiasts.

But how did this massive Martian rock end up on Earth? The meteorite made its interplanetary journey after an asteroid struck Mars, sending debris hurtling through space. After traveling approximately 140 million miles, the meteorite landed in the Sahara Desert. It was eventually discovered by a meteorite hunter in Niger in November 2023, before finding its way to the auction block at Sotheby’s.

The significance of this Martian rock cannot be overstated. It represents nearly 7% of all known Martian material on Earth and measures about 15 by 11 by 6 inches. Its size and rarity make it a prized possession for any collector looking to own a piece of the Red Planet.

In addition to the Martian meteorite, another highlight of the auction is a juvenile Ceratosaurus skeleton from the late Jurassic period. This rare specimen is expected to sell for up to $6 million and adds to the diverse range of items available at the event. With 122 unique pieces on offer, including fossils, minerals, and other natural history treasures, Sotheby’s Geek Week 2025 promises to be a one-of-a-kind event for collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Overall, the upcoming auction at Sotheby’s represents a rare opportunity to acquire some of the most extraordinary natural history items ever to be brought to market. From the largest Martian rock on Earth to a juvenile Ceratosaurus skeleton, the event is sure to draw the interest of collectors, scientists, and enthusiasts from around the world. Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of history at this exclusive auction event.