Shergottites – Martian Meteorites

Shergottites are the most abundant and diverse group of Martian meteorites, formed through volcanic processes on Mars.

They provide direct insight into the magmatic and volcanic history of the planet, offering a unique window into the evolution of the Martian crust.

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Tissint – Complete Martian Meteorite with Fusion Crust 219 g

Tissint – Complete Martian Meteorite with Fusion Crust 219 g 2

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Tissint – Complete Oriented Martian Meteorite (219 g) Price on request

Exceptional complete specimen of the Martian meteorite Tissint, weighing 219 g, preserving its entire natural fusion crust. The surface displays well-developed regmaglyptes associated with distinct flow lines, recording dynamic ablation processes during atmospheric entry. A rare example of a large Tissint stone that remained intact upon impact. Price on...

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Tissint Martian Meteorite – 2.220 g - Fresh Individual

Tissint Martian Meteorite – 2.220 g - Fresh Individual 2

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Tissint Martian Meteorite – 2.220 g - Fresh Individual from the 2011 Fall

$1,776.00

This small 2.200 g individual from the Martian meteorite Tissint is a fresh specimen from the witnessed 2011 fall. It preserves a well-defined fusion crust and a clean, stable surface, reflecting minimal terrestrial alteration. A genuine and accessible piece of Mars.

Tissint Martian Meteorite 1.993 g – Oriented with Flow Lines | meteori

Tissint Martian Meteorite 1.993 g – Oriented with Flow Lines | meteori 2

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Tissint Martian Meteorite – 1.993 g - Oriented Individual with Radiating Flow Lines

$2,989.00

This 1.993 g individual from the Martian meteorite Tissint displays a well-defined oriented shape, with a surface covered by fine radiating flow lines converging from a single point. These aerodynamic features reflect its stable flight through Earth’s atmosphere. Combining Martian origin, fresh fall status, and clear orientation, this small specimen...

Tissint Martian Meteorite – 2.288 g individual with Preserved crust

Tissint Martian Meteorite – 2.288 g individual with Preserved crust 2

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Tissint Martian Meteorite – 2.288 g individual with Preserved Fusion Crust Texture

$1,830.00

A small 2.288 g Tissint individual displaying a textured fusion crust, formed during atmospheric entry. Subtle surface variations and micro-reliefs reflect the dynamic melting and cooling processes experienced upon arrival on Earth.

Tissint 2.842 g Martian Meteorite – Shergottite from a Witnessed Fall

Tissint 2.842 g Martian Meteorite – Shergottite from a Witnessed Fall 2

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Tissint 2.842 g Martian Meteorite – Shergottite from a Witnessed Fall (Morocco, 2011)

$2,273.00

A genuine 2.842 g Martian meteorite from the Tissint fall, classified as a shergottite. This small individual represents material ejected from Mars and recovered shortly after its fall, preserving key scientific characteristics.

NWA 10170 Martian Meteorite 45 g – with ISS & Perseverance Connection

NWA 10170 Martian Meteorite 45 g – with ISS & Perseverance Connection 2

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NWA 10170 – Oriented Martian Meteorite with Flow Lines (45.15 g)

$27,090.00

A remarkable 45.15 g oriented specimen of the Martian meteorite NWA 10170, displaying well-defined flow lines across a convex leading face. This piece belongs to the same meteorite from which a sample was sent to the International Space Station by astronaut Thomas Pesquet and later integrated into the SuperCam instrument aboard NASA’s Perseverance...

The Main Group of Martian Meteorites

Shergottites represent the largest proportion of known Martian meteorites. They are named after the Shergotty meteorite, which fell in India in 1865 and became the type specimen for this group.

These meteorites are primarily of volcanic origin and are essential for understanding the geological evolution of Mars.

Formation and Geological Context

Shergottites formed from basaltic magmas generated within the Martian mantle and erupted or emplaced near the surface. Their textures and compositions reflect a range of cooling histories, from rapid solidification in lava flows to slower crystallization in shallow intrusive bodies.

Most shergottites are relatively young, typically dating from a few hundred million years ago, indicating that volcanic activity on Mars persisted into relatively recent geological times.

Classification of Shergottites

Shergottites are commonly divided into several subgroups based on their mineralogy and texture. The most important categories include:

Basaltic Shergottites – fine-grained volcanic rocks formed from lava flows
Olivine-phyric Shergottites – containing visible olivine crystals formed early in the magma

These subgroups reflect variations in magma composition and crystallization processes within the Martian crust.

Mineralogy and Composition

Shergottites are typically composed of pyroxene, plagioclase (often transformed into maskelynite), and olivine, along with accessory minerals. Their composition provides key insights into:

The chemistry of Martian magmas
The differentiation of the Martian interior
The thermal and volcanic evolution of Mars

Ejection from Mars

Like all Martian meteorites, shergottites were ejected from Mars by powerful impact events. These impacts launched fragments of Martian crust into space, some of which eventually intersected Earth's orbit and fell as meteorites.

Shock features such as maskelynite provide evidence of these high-energy processes.

Scientific Importance

Shergottites are among the most studied extraterrestrial materials. They are fundamental to planetary science and have contributed significantly to our understanding of:

Martian volcanism
Planetary differentiation
The geochemical evolution of Mars

They are often used as reference samples in laboratory studies worldwide.

Collector Interest

Shergottites are highly sought after due to their Martian origin and scientific importance. Their diversity in texture and composition makes them appealing to both collectors and researchers.

Specimens range from fine-grained basalts to more complex textures with visible mineral phases, offering a wide spectrum of visual and scientific characteristics.

Available Specimens

The specimens presented in this category include selected shergottites, representing different subtypes and textures.

FAQ

What are shergottites?

Shergottites are volcanic Martian meteorites formed from basaltic magmas on Mars.

Why are they important?

They provide key insights into the volcanic and geological evolution of Mars.

What are the main types of shergottites?

The main types include basaltic and olivine-phyric shergottites, among others.

How old are shergottites?

Most are relatively young, typically a few hundred million years old.

How did they reach Earth?

They were ejected from Mars by large impact events and later fell to Earth as meteorites.