Amalga 001 Martian Shergottite Meteorite

Amalga 001 is a genuine Martian meteorite – a fragment of rock from Mars that was naturally ejected from the planet by an impact before eventually reaching Earth.

Recovered in the Sahara Desert in 2022, Amalga 001 is officially recognised as a Martian Shergottite. Shergottites are igneous rocks formed through volcanic processes on Mars, making them fundamentally different from the primitive asteroid material represented by many meteorites.

Martian meteorites offer scientists a rare opportunity to study the geology of another planet directly. Their mineralogy and chemical characteristics can be compared with observations and measurements obtained by spacecraft exploring Mars, helping researchers understand the planet's volcanic history, crust and evolution.

Amalga 001 was officially approved in 2024 and forms part of the relatively small population of meteorites scientifically recognised as originating from Mars.

For collectors, this makes Amalga 001 far more than simply a rare meteorite. Each specimen represents authentic planetary material that travelled from Mars to Earth through natural processes, preserving a physical connection with another world.

Our Amalga 001 collection has been carefully selected for authenticity, provenance and scientific interest, offering collectors the opportunity to own genuine Martian material.

As our collection develops, additional Amalga 001 specimens and preparations may be added.

Scientific Information

Why Collect Amalga 001?

• Genuine material from Mars – naturally ejected from the Martian surface before reaching Earth.
• Officially recognised – classified as the named meteorite Amalga 001.
• Martian Shergottite – an igneous meteorite associated with volcanic processes on Mars.
• Scientifically important – Martian meteorites provide physical material for studying the geology and evolution of Mars.
• Exceptionally collectable – recognised Martian meteorites represent only a small part of the meteorite record.
• Individual natural specimens – every piece has its own shape, texture and geological characteristics.

Understanding Martian Shergottites

What is a Martian meteorite?

A Martian meteorite is a rock that originated on Mars and was ejected from the planet following a sufficiently powerful impact. Some of this material entered independent orbits around the Sun before eventually intersecting Earth's orbit and surviving passage through our atmosphere.

What is a Shergottite?

Shergottites are the most numerous recognised group of Martian meteorites. They are igneous rocks, meaning their mineral assemblages ultimately formed from molten material.

Their mineralogy provides researchers with direct evidence of geological processes that occurred on Mars.

How do scientists know Martian meteorites came from Mars?

The Martian origin of this meteorite group is established through multiple independent lines of scientific evidence, including mineral chemistry, isotopic composition and, in some Martian meteorites, gases trapped within the rock that correspond closely with measurements of the Martian atmosphere.

This combination of evidence allows scientists to distinguish Martian meteorites from meteorites originating from asteroids or the Moon.

How did Amalga 001 travel from Mars to Earth?

Amalga 001 was not brought back by a spacecraft. Its journey occurred naturally.

A major impact on Mars ejected rock with sufficient velocity to escape the planet's gravity. That material travelled through space before eventually encountering Earth and surviving atmospheric entry as a meteorite.

Was Amalga 001 found on Mars?

No. Amalga 001 was recovered in the Sahara Desert in 2022. Its Martian designation refers to its scientifically determined parent body, not its terrestrial recovery location.

Is every Amalga 001 specimen unique?

Yes. Meteorites are natural geological materials, so individual specimens can vary in shape, surface texture, mineral distribution and terrestrial weathering.

Authenticity & Provenance

Authenticity and provenance are fundamental when purchasing planetary meteorites.

GeoFossils sources meteorites through established and trusted channels and identifies specimens using their recognised meteorite names and classifications.

GeoFossils is a Global Meteorite Association Trusted Business, Member G0127.

These credentials support our commitment to responsible representation, traceable provenance and accurate meteorite identification.

Related Collections

You may also be interested in:

• Martian Meteorites
• Meteorite Specimens
• Meteorites by Name
• Lunar Meteorites
• Stony Meteorites

Reference

Scientific classification information should be cross-referenced against the Meteoritical Bulletin Database, the recognised international record for approved meteorite names and classifications.