Meteorite Origin: Western Sahara
Meteorite Type: Martian Meteorite
Weight: ~1 g
A Martian meteorite is a rock that originated from the surface of Mars and fell to Earth. These meteorites form when a large meteoroid or asteroid impacts Mars (impact speed must reach 10-30 km/s), ejecting rock fragments into space.
Mars has a thin atmosphere that provides only partial protection against meteoroid impacts. Consequently, its surface is frequently bombarded by meteoroids, although the impacts are weaker than those on the Moon due to the presence of the atmosphere. These impacts eject rocks, which, depending on the force and trajectory of the impact, can end up in space.
Although Mars is constantly bombarded by meteoroids, only a small portion of the ejected rocks reach Earth. Most of them travel into space or enter the Sun’s gravitational field. Scientists estimate that only about 0.5% of all found meteorites are from Mars. In comparison, the majority (about 99%) are fragments from other asteroids, and 0.7% are from the Moon.
Martian meteorites are most commonly found in deserts, where the effects of rain and erosion are minimal. Some known locations are North Africa, Morocco, Oman, and Antarctica.
How Martian meteorites are identified:
An asteroid traveling to Earth breaks into dozens, hundreds, or even thousands of fragments due to friction and high speed. All these fragments from the same body fall into a specific and limited area, called a Strewn field. Meteorite hunters examine the fall site to identify and find as many meteorite fragments as possible, ranging from large to small specimens. All collected meteorites are sent to a research center in the USA (Appalachian State University), where they are analyzed and confirmed in a scientific database.
Characteristics of meteorites:
Reach Mars with your own hands - acquire an authentic Martian meteorite!
We offer you a unique opportunity to experience the wonder of space and own a piece of Mars - acquire an authentic Martian meteorite! Our meteorites are carefully selected and certified by the International Society for Meteoritics and Planetary Science (ISMP), a renowned scientific organization studying meteorites, comets, asteroids, and other cosmic objects since 1955.
Each meteorite we offer is special and has its unique story. By clicking on the link next to each meteorite, you can learn all the information about its origin, discovery location and time, chemical composition, classification, physical properties, petrography, and geochemistry.
