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Martian meteorite (shergottite)
40 mm x 24 mm x 1 mm
2 grams
Martian meteorites are rare and fascinating rocks ejected from the surface of Mars by colossal asteroid impacts, which eventually journey through space and land on Earth. Comprising a tiny fraction of all meteorites found on our planet, they hold unique scientific value, offering a tangible connection to a world millions of miles away. These extraterrestrial treasures are identified as Martian through a combination of their mineralogy, isotope ratios, and the presence of trapped gases matching the Martian atmosphere as analyzed by spacecraft like NASA’s Viking rovers. One reason Martian meteorites are so valuable is their ability to unlock Mars’ secrets without the need for expensive sample-return missions. They provide direct insights into the planet's volcanic activity, water history, and potential for past life. However, they are very scarce, representing less than 0.5% of all meteorites.
This is a slice of a Martian meteorite found in 2019 near the city of Ouargla, Algeria. It has been classified as a Martian meteorite (diabasic shergottite) with the official name NWA 13190.
