Meteorites are among the rarest objects a collector can own. Formed during the birth of the Solar System over 4.5 billion years ago, these fragments of asteroids, planets and even the Moon have travelled millions of miles through space before surviving their fiery journey through Earth's atmosphere.
For collectors, meteorites offer something few other natural history objects can. They are not simply ancient, they pre-date our planet. Some preserve the earliest material formed in the Solar System, while others originated on the Moon or Mars before being blasted into space by colossal impacts. Every specimen is a genuine piece of another world.
Their rarity, scientific importance and extraordinary origins have fascinated people for centuries. Ancient civilisations forged weapons from meteoric iron long before they understood where it came from, while scientists of the Enlightenment finally proved that stones really could fall from the sky. Today, collectors prize meteorites for their history, beauty and the remarkable stories they tell about the formation of our Solar System.
Whether you're buying your first Campo del Cielo iron meteorite or considering a rare lunar specimen, this guide explains where meteorites come from, the different types available, what makes them valuable and what to look for when collecting.
Quick answer: Meteorites are fragments of asteroids, planets and other celestial bodies that survive their journey through Earth's atmosphere. Collectors prize them for their rarity, scientific importance and extraordinary origins. The most valuable meteorites include lunar, Martian and pallasite specimens, with exceptional examples regularly selling for thousands of pounds at auction.
