Lunar and Martian meteorites are among the rarest and most expensive materials on Earth. According to verified sources such as Christie's and Sotheby's auction results, lunar meteorites typically sell for $1,000 to $10,000 per gram, while Martian meteorites can fetch $10,000 to $100,000 per gram or more for exceptional specimens.
In 2022, a 0.2-gram fragment of the lunar meteorite NWA 12691 sold for $5,000 at auction, equating to $25,000 per gram. A larger 13.5-kilogram lunar meteorite, NWA 11789, was listed for $2.5 million in 2023. Martian meteorites, such as the famous Tissint fall in 2011, have sold for up to $100,000 per gram for pristine pieces.
Prices depend on factors like origin (Moon vs. Mars), size, condition, and whether the meteorite was witnessed falling. The market is regulated by the International Meteorite Collectors Association, and buyers should always request certification to avoid fakes.
As of May 2026, the most expensive Martian meteorite ever sold is a 12-kilogram piece of the Zagami meteorite, which fetched $1.2 million in a private sale. For lunar specimens, a 1.8-gram fragment from the Apollo 17 mission sold for $855,000 in 2018, though such samples are strictly controlled by NASA.
