NWA 17472 Mars Meteorite, Martian Shergottite, Select Size, in Display Box w/COA

NWA 17472 Mars Meteorite, Martian Shergottite, Select Size, in Display Box w/COAA certified fragment of Mars, in three sizes NWA 17472 is a classified Martian shergottite recovered from Northwest Africa in 2024. Shergottites are the most common type of Martian meteorite and represent basaltic igneous rocks that crystallized from magma within the Martian crust or mantle. Every fragment of NWA 17472 is a piece of another planet, material ejected from Mars by a large impact, traveled through space, and fell to Earth. Each specimen

A certified fragment of Mars, in three sizes

NWA 17472 is a classified Martian shergottite recovered from Northwest Africa in 2024. Shergottites are the most common type of Martian meteorite and represent basaltic igneous rocks that crystallized from magma within the Martian crust or mantle. Every fragment of NWA 17472 is a piece of another planet, material ejected from Mars by a large impact, traveled through space, and fell to Earth. Each specimen is presented in a display box with a custom specimen card showing the actual weight.

Select your size

Each size carries a guaranteed minimum weight. You will receive a certified NWA 17472 fragment at or above the minimum weight for the size selected. Photos shown are representative examples from actual inventory, actual specimens vary in shape and surface detail.

Structure and features

Martian shergottites typically display a fine to medium crystalline igneous texture, reflecting their origin as basaltic rocks. NWA 17472 shows the characteristic dark matrix and olivine-pyroxene mineralogy common to this group. The exterior surface of uncut fragments often retains fusion crust from atmospheric entry, while cut or broken surfaces reveal the interior igneous texture.

The mineralogy of shergottites is distinctly Martian, the combination of pyroxene compositions, oxygen isotope ratios, and trace element signatures distinguish them from all terrestrial and other extraterrestrial rocks. These signatures have been cross-referenced against data from Mars landers and orbiters, confirming the Martian origin of the shergottite group.

Scientific context

Shergottites are identified as Martian through trapped noble gas compositions in their minerals that match the Martian atmosphere as measured by NASA's Viking landers. NWA 17472, classified in 2024, adds to the growing catalog of Martian material available for study and collecting. Martian meteorites represent the only samples of another planet available outside of mission-returned material. Learn more on our Learn About Meteorites page.

Frequently asked questions

Is this meteorite authenticated? Yes. NWA 17472 is an officially classified Martian meteorite. See the Meteoritical Bulletin entry for NWA 17472. Every specimen ships with a Treasure Coast Meteorite Co. certificate of authenticity.

How do we know this came from Mars? Shergottites are identified as Martian through trapped noble gas compositions that match the Martian atmosphere as measured by NASA's Viking landers, combined with oxygen isotope ratios and pyroxene compositions that collectively distinguish Martian rocks from all other known meteorite types.

What is included? Your selected size specimen in a display box, a custom specimen card with the actual weight, and a Treasure Coast Meteorite Co. certificate of authenticity.

Collector significance

Certified Martian material is among the rarest and most sought-after categories in meteorite collecting. Shergottites account for the vast majority of all known Martian meteorites, but the total known weight of all Martian meteorites combined remains a small fraction of worldwide meteorite holdings. NWA 17472 offers collectors access to genuine Mars material at multiple price points, each piece properly classified and certified. Browse our full Martian Meteorites collection for additional specimens.

Meteoritical Bulletin entry: NWA 17472 | Classification: Martian Shergottite | Find, Northwest Africa, 2024