by Michael Blood of Michael Blood Meteorites

September, 2006

The market continues to strengthen as prices across the board continue their (relatively) slow rise. Some items continue to lead the pack, increasing at a significantly faster pace than the norm: Lunars are a particular strength, now reaching $2,500-, having dropped to an all time low under $1000/g for the cheapest varieties. Similar, though less dramatic than a 250% increase, are the Martians.

Since the Moss fall in early August - see article at: http://www.aftenposten.no/english/local/article1415787.ece?service=print the price brought by NWA CO meteorites has climbed to about $20/g from an all time low of under $5/g – sometimes far under $5/g on eBay. Not so since the Moss fall (which is not only a hammer, having struck a building, but also thought to be a CO, pending lab analysis). NWA CVs have also jumped, going over $12/g – actually bringing more than the best buys still occasionally found on Allende! Moss, itself, is holding fast at $200/g and people are paying it, though Mike Farmer has suddenly suspended all sales of his Moss material, stating once he polished a piece it looked like nothing he has ever seen and won't sell more than the committed pieces until after lab analysis. This flamed speculation of to a this new fall being anything from a Winonaite to a Kakangari type to "something we have never seen before." When you combine a hammer with a rare typology – then throw in significant rarity (only a few Kg TKW), you have the makings of a very expensive meteorite. Those who purchased right away may be counting their blessings if this turns out to be more rare that a CO.

Overall, in August meteorites across the board continued to increase in price – apparently at an accelerated rate higher than the previous few months. An additional factor effecting the market is the clear indication of an influx of new meteorite collectors. I had two or three times as many people ask to be included in my email sales list this month than in any month ever before. Likewise, I note a dramatic meteorite bidders on eBay with a "0" rating, indicating they have NEVER engaged in a single eBay transaction. A significant increase in the number of new collectors coupled with the drying up of NWA and in some cases the closing down of exports all make a very powerful combination of factors for increased demand and decreased supply – a case right out of the book for an increase in prices.

Until next time, Michael