METEORITE MARKET TRENDS
February, 2010
by Michael Blood
The Tucson Show always stands as a barometer of the meteorite market. This show had some
interesting elements, but primarily validated recent trends:
While nearly all other material is continuing to rise in price, the planetary specimens continue
to remain low, if not the lowest ever.
Sikhote-Alin specimens seem to continue rising perhaps faster than any other meteorite, with
the specimens available going for $2/g being utterly drab and what used to be run of the mill
quality going for $5/g or being sold priced as individuals apart from their weight, but well over
$5/g – and these are primarily “normal” quality specimens. The really choice material is being
offered (and presumably sold) at fat double digits per gram.
The flurry of excitement generated among heretofore non-collectors over THE METEORITE
MEN was reflected in a consistent crowding of Geoff Notkin’s room with a disproportionately
high influx of newbies, whom Geoff treated, as always, in a most gracious, informative and
genteel manor, while Anne Black (sharing the same room) catered to the most sophisticated
of collectors with a wide variety of what she calls “meteorite with a pedigree” and presented
what must certainly be the widest array of thin sections ever offered by a single dealer.
K-D Meteorites seamed to have a goodly array of Buzzard Coolie, but upon purchase, one
learned they were only asking to be placed on a three-month wait list for the permits to clear.
For a little more one could snag one or more of these beauties from Geoff Notkin and Lisa
Marie with permits already in hand. Unfortunately, the prices are indicative of the market
in general – not that the time and energy expended by today’s hunters does not warrant
every cent.
In short, it is ironic that as purchases by collectors has declined, prices, with the exception
of the rare NWA material, have gone up, thereby defying the general “rule” of free enterprise
which states prices are tied to supply and demand.
Other elements of the Show were primarily a splendid hodgepodge of social gatherings which
included:
Wednesday night at “The Sky Bar,” a local sports bar with multiple GIANT TV flat screens
showing THE METEORITE MEN with jokes and commentary by Geoff & Steve during the
commercials.
Thursday night at La Fuente for all IMCA members. This proved to be a great opportunity
to connect people with “names” and to have some excellent Mexican food. (La Fuente offers
perhaps the best guacamole on the planet, mixed in a matate right at your table, asking you
what and how much lemon, garlic, onion, tomato, etc. to be included).
Friday night was the Birthday Bash and Harvey Awards at The Sky Bar and, again, fun was
had by all.
Saturday evening was the Meteorite Auction and Twink brought her Gold Basin Cake and her
now famous Truffles. Count Deiro (yes, he is a “real” Count) was in attendance and I learned
he was a fellow graduate of The Missouri School of Auctioneering and invited him to call bids
on a number of items, which he did in expert fashion. As always, some items sold for more that
I had anticipated and others for less, and the roaring hoards appeared enthusiastic and amused.
Overall, the show indicated a continued rise in prices with the exception of planetary specimens
and a surge of interest in meteorites by previously non-collectors stimulated primarily by the
popularity of THE METEORITE MEN TV show.
A final comment about said show: No two individuals are better suited to represent the meteorite
community. Geoff brings a real touch of class and Steve brings a down home earthiness and both
bring a huge serving of character and knowledge. The combination of these two with the scientific
expertise of Dr. Laurence Garvie is expertly produced and edited for maximum balance of human
interest, the natural quest for “treasure hunting” and the romantic allure & scientific significance
of meteorites.
Photos of the Tucson Show can be seen HERE
POST SCRIPT: Jim Strope informed me within 24 hrs of this going up that he has been selling
planetary material (specimens under a gram) for nearly $2,000 per gram of late, so, it looks as
though the lower prices are desperation sales and, therefore, can be expected to be very short lived.
And the beat goes on.......
Until next time, HAPPY HUNTING! Michael
