YOUR NEXT IDEA COULD CHANGE THE WORLD We specialize in scientific collectibles from around the world to keep curious brains inspired.
EXPERT CURATED SHIPPING NOW — BATCH #98 GUARANTEED AUTHENTIC
The most popular and top-rated STEM box for adults

MATTER. Delivered monthly or quarterly.

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Free starter box with every new subscription: Subscribe today and we'll ship a free Starter Box right away — yours to keep while you wait for the next batch.
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FossilsMeteoritesArtifactsMineralsExotic materialsRare specimensFossilsMeteoritesArtifactsMineralsExotic materialsRare specimens
4.8 / 5
200+ verified reviews
"It scratches the itch for weird (but awesome!) stuff in the mail"
Read reviews →
[ 02 ] — THE ITEMS

What you'll get.

Each shipment contains 3–6 hand-picked specimens totaling $50–$75 in retail value. Every item arrives with a collectible research card. Here are a few examples:

#317 Asteroid 4 VESTa Fragment
VERIFIED Asteroid 4 Vesta Meteorite, 0.10 g ± 0.05 g at Stemcell Science Shop

Meteorites & Impactites

Cosmic fragments from across the universe. IMCA-authenticated and classified by The Meteoritical Society.

#177 dinosaur bone fragments
VERIFIED Wholesale Sample Box - from Stemcell Science Shop

Fossils

Actual remnants of prehistoric creatures that lived millions to billions of years ago.

#121 Supercomputer memory chip
VERIFIED Supercomputer Memory Chip, Default Title at Stemcell Science Shop

Historic relics

Pieces of historic scientific discoveries and significance. Every piece undergoes meticulously vetting and authentication by our team.

#040 Pyrite Cube
VERIFIED Minerals & Crystals

Minerals & Crystals

Millions of years in the making, these are among nature's most beautiful formations. All science; no metaphysical powers.

not a toy
not a kit

Matter is the only science box made specifically with grown-ups in mind. Real specimens, real provenance, real research — no plushes, t-shirts, or gimmicks.

Some items may be small or fragile. We recommend the box for ages 10+ with adult supervision for younger explorers.

[ 03.5 ] — UNBOXING

See it in action.

Physics professor Rhett Allain (@rhettallain) shows off his favorite Matter item.

Matter: Legacy Box - Stemcell Science Shop
◆ BATCH #66 UNBOXING
[ 03 ] — THE PROCESS

How it works.

Three steps from "huh, that's cool" to a museum exhibit on your desk.

STEP / 01
01

Pick your cadence

Monthly for the impatient curious. Quarterly for the slow-burn collector. Pause or cancel anytime from your dashboard.

STEP / 02
02

Your starter box ships right away

Subscribe today and we'll send a FREE Starter Box out the door immediately — yours to keep while you wait for the next regular batch.

STEP / 03
03

Fall down the rabbit hole

Use each item's research card as a starting point for your own deep dive while holding tangible piece of what you're learning about.

[ 04 ] — GET STARTED

choose your subscription.

Pick how often you want a box, then how far in advance you want to prepay. Longer prepay terms unlock bigger discounts.

Order by the 20 to receive this month's box.
Limited boxes remaining in this batch
1 Delivery frequency
2 Prepay term · longer prepay = bigger discount
Monthly delivery · pay-as-you-go
$49.99 / box · billed monthly
Total today: $49.99
Storewide discount Subscribers get 15% off Stemcell orders
Full Self-Service Manage your subscription anytime
Renewal Discounts Apply discount codes toward renewals
Carbon Neutral 100% eco-responsible since 2018
Legacy Box

Try a single past Matter box for a one-time discounted price. Same authenticated items, same research cards — no subscription.

$49.99 $29.99
Try Legacy Box → NOT A SUBSCRIPTION | ships in 3–5 days
"Like a science museum in a box — every shipment makes me feel ten years old again, in the best possible way. — Hello Subscription
60K+
Boxes shipped worldwide
400+
Items in the Matter catalog
100%
Authenticated & expert verified
AS FEATURED IN
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[ 05 ] — FAQ

common questions

Everything you wanted to ask before subscribing — answered without the marketing voice.

Q.01 What's actually in a Matter box?

Each box contains 3–6 items covering a range of scientific subjects, and totaling $50–$75 in retail value. Each item includes a research card.

Q.02 Where does matter ship?

Matter ships anywhere in the world that USPS will deliver. All boxes are shipped from our US laboratory.

Q.03 When does matter ship?

Free Starter Box: For all new subscriptions, a free Starter Box will be added to you order upon checkout. The Starter Box will ship asap.

Your first subscription box will ship either at the end of the current month (if you ordered by the 20th) or next month (if you ordered after the 20th).

You can always add a discounted Legacy Box to ship immediately while you wait for your next subscription box.

You'll receive a tracking number via email as soon as each box ships.

Q.04 Will I get repeat items?

Most subscribers will never receive a repeat item. Occasionally we revisit a particularly amazing item, but only if it's been at least 3 years since it was previously featured.

To date we have featured over 400 unique items in our boxes! If you want a specific item that was previously featured, it may be available in our main store.

Q.05 Can I apply discounts toward my next renewal?

Yes. Active subscribers can apply one discount code to every renewal. You can enter your code in your account page:

  1. Go to the Manage Subscriptions page, and click on the subscription. 
  2. Click Edit.
  3. Discount Code box should be available in the order summary.
  4. If there's no Discount Code box, there may already be another discount applied to the subscription. Check the Discount(s) line item at the end of the subscription order summary. If you want to replace a discount with a better discount, hit the little trash can to remove it, and a Discount Code box should be available.

Applying a discount will apply to the next renewal of your current subscription. So if you apply a discount today and charge it, and then apply another discount and charge it, you'll prepay your next 2 renewals and these paid boxes will be scheduled out in your current subscription according to your shipping schedule (monthly or quarterly).

Q.06 Are there educational discounts?

Yes, while our goal is to spread the love of science, we understand that teachers and students have tight budgets. That's why we offer special educational discounts to help bring our Matter boxes into your homes, classrooms, or learning programs.

These boxes are perfect for sparking students' curiosity and complementing your science curriculum.

Use your school credentials to get your educational discount here, or send us a purchase order from your school.

Q.07 How do I update payment/shipping info?

If you subscribed through this site, all subscription details are editable through your Stemcell account page. If you subscribed on another site, you'll need to check that site for instructions.

  1. Go to your account page by clicking the person icon in the upper right-hand corner of the page.
  2. Click 'Manage Subscriptions'
  3. Click the 'Manage subscription' button next to the subscription you'd like to update.
  4. Click 'Update' in the payment section to modify payment details.
  5. Click 'Edit' to change your shipping address, frequency, or to apply a discount code toward your next renewal (only one discount can be applied per renewal).
Q.08 Can I pause my subscription?

Yes, you can pause/resume or cancel anytime from your account page.

Q.09 Can I turn off auto-renewal?

You can disable the auto-renewal of your subscription at any time from your account dashboard here. Please note that this change will take effect at the end of your current subscription term. You will still receive any prepaid boxes.

Q.10 Is matter available for Corporate Gifting?

Absolutely! Matter boxes are a fantastic way to spark curiosity and add a bit of science fun to your workplace. Whether it's for a holiday gift, team-building activity, or just to give your office a cool science vibe, we've got you covered.

We'll make sure they're packed with intriguing items that'll get everyone talking. We can even ship directly to your employees' door. Just let us know how many you need, and we'll handle the rest!

Q.11 Can my Company Collab with Matter?

If your lab or company produces a scientific item, or if our organizations' missions align, we would love to explore collaboration. Whether you're a start-up or an established industry leader, we're open to a range of partnerships that drive science forward.

Past collaborations have included sponsorships, sourcing custom items, and even curating themed boxes. Contact us for more.

Q.12 Are all Matter items authentic?

Yes. We adhere to the highest standards of authenticity when it comes to our rare and collectible items.

We source our items from the most reputable collectors and suppliers. Then we utilize our network of scientists and experts to assist in the rigorous process of validating each item's provenance.

If we aren't 100% confident an item is authentic, it doesn't make it into the box.

Our meticulously curated collections are designed to inspire, educate, and resonate, all while maintaining an unbreakable commitment to authenticity.

Q.13 Where do matter items come from?

Since 2015, we've been cultivating a network of collectors and suppliers that reaches into every corner of the scientific world.

From fossil excavation sites to state-of-the-art laboratories, whether we're looking for a rare mineral specimen or a cutting-edge piece of technology, our network allows us to source virtually anything in the realm of science, while ensuring quality and authenticity.

stay nerdy stay curious

Hold apiece of theuniverse.

Subscriptions start at $39.99/box. Prepay longer terms to save up to 20%. Or try a one-time Legacy Box for $29.99.

Subscribe to Matter
SUBSCRIBER PERKS

Matter is more than a box.

Every active subscription unlocks the rest of the shop.

MEMBER · STEMCELL ALL PERKS · NO FINE PRINT
WHEN YOU SUBSCRIBE
01

15% off the rest of the shop.

Active subscribers get a 15% discount on every other product in the Stemcell Science Shop.

CODE INCLUDED IN YOUR FIRST BOX
15%
02

Promo codes work on renewals.

Found a promo? It can be applied toward your next renewal — not just for new subscribers!

03

Full Self-Service

No need to wait for support to make a change. You control everything from your account page.

Perks active while your subscription is. Cancel anytime. Become a subscriber
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
It's the most thoughtful subscription I've ever had. Every month it feels like opening a tiny museum drawer.
Maya R.Matter subscriber · Brooklyn, NY