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First box FREE on a 6-month subscription (Discount applied in cart)

2 boxes FREE on a 12-month subscription (Discount applied in cart)

197 total reviews

Jaw-dropping Possibilities

Experience the awe of discovery with Matter—the science subscription box for true science lovers. Curated by our expert team, each box is packed with extraordinary specimens, from 500-million-year-old fossils to meteorites born with the solar system itself.

We don’t just deliver science. We deliver wonder.

 

SCIENCE 101 REFRESHER

What is matter?

Matter (scientifically speaking) is the everything in the universe that is made of atoms. This includes every star in the sky, every planet, everything on Earth, including yourself.

What makes matter special?

In the entire observable universe, scientists estimate this kind of matter makes up only about 5% of the total content. The remaining 95% consists of two mysterious components that we cannot directly observe: dark energy and dark matter.

Of the 5% that we can observe, practically all of it is out of human reach, spread across the cosmos to form every nebula, planet, and star. Although Earth's matter represents an extremely small portion of the universe, it is still brimming with amazing things.

If this much wonder is possible on our speck of a planet, imagine what else could be possible in the universe.

  • 2–6 new items every month
  • Research card for every item
  • Over $60 value in every box

  • Recommended for Ages 7 to 13,700,000,000
  • Free & Simple Returns
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  • ★★★★★

    "made me cry tears of joy"

    Actual Customer Review

  • ★★★★★

    "It scratches the itch for weird (but awesome!) stuff in the mail."

    Actual Customer Review

  • ★★★★★

    "Cannot recommend enough."

    Actual Customer Review

  • "Every science lover needs this"

  • "Like getting a museum delivered every month"

  • "A gift that keeps on giving year-round"

  • #1 Subscription Box That People Actually Swear By

  • Best Box of the Year
    2020 – 2023

WHAT TO EXPECT

Every month's box has all-new items, but here's some of the common types of items to expect. Think of these like personal museum exhibits.

Museum-Grade Fossils

Fossils are the rocky remains of previous lifeforms that called this planet home millions to billions of years before we came along. We source our fossils from the most trusted experts and paleontologists in the field.

Start your personal museum of natural history.

[ ITEM #295 - SEA SNAKE FOSSIL - AGE: 55 MILLION YEARS ]

Concorde Airframe Fragment - Stemcell Science Shop

Historic Artifacts

Artifacts are like human-made fossils—objects that were created by people doing incredible scientific things. Our artifacts go through a tedious process of provenance verification and expert authentication.

By preserving these relics, you're creating a record of our species' achievements.

[ ITEM #328 - CONCORDE SUPERSONIC AIRCRAFT AIRFRAME FRAGMENT ]

Exotic Rocks & Minerals

Our species made it's first big leap into the Stone Age when we discovered we could make useful stuff with rocks—and we've been hooked on them since.

Learn about the science-based properties and applications of natural rocks, crystals, and minerals.

[ ITEM #040 - NATURAL CUBIC PYRITE CRYSTAL ]

Meteorites

These fragments of other worlds ended up colliding with our speck of a planet after drifting through the immense void of the universe.

Meteorites are among the most precious items we feature, which is why we have each of our meteorites fully analyzed, authenticated, and classified.

[ ITEM #248 - MARTIAN METEORITE NWA13187 ]

Button Cell Battery
Pearls
Chalcanthite
Garnet
Mobius Strip
Agate Gastropod
Gyroscope
Coprolite
Cow Magnet
Titanium
Woolly Mammoth Hair
Molybdenum
Kevlar
Button Cell Battery
Pearls
Chalcanthite
Garnet
Mobius Strip
Agate Gastropod
Gyroscope
Coprolite
Cow Magnet
Titanium
Woolly Mammoth Hair
Molybdenum
Kevlar

Expert-written research cards

Each item comes with a collectible science card to give you insights, context, and history of every piece of Matter.

The collectible cards also include each item's official Matter catalog #.

DETAILS

Subscriber Benefits

Discounts

Active Matter subscribers get 15% off all purchases from Stemcell Science Shop. You'll receive a custom code via email and in your first box.

You can even apply current Matter promotions toward your next renewal from your account page.

Self-Service

Update your details, pause, or cancel your subscription at any time from your account page.

Shipping Info

Timeline

Your first box will ship with our next monthly batch. [December Batch shipping by 12/15] Depending on when in the month you order, there may be a slight delay. Contact us for the latest ETA or if you need your first box ASAP.

Subsequent boxes will be delivered on the schedule you choose—monthly, quarterly, or annually—until you decide to pause of cancel.

International

We ship globally, but there are some items we cannot legally ship outside of the US which we'll substitute with comparable items.

Please be aware of the import duties, fees, and taxes for your region as we are not responsible for these costs.

Environmental

Matter is a carbon-neutral subscription box. We prioritize reusable, recyclable, and compostable packaging materials and offset all shipping emissions.

[ ITEM #275 - SAND FROM THE SAHARA DESERT ]

FAQ

Will I receive repeat items?

Most subscribers will never get a repeat item. Each Matter box is unique, packed with scientific stuff you haven't seen before.

Occasionally we revisit a particularly amazing item, but we'll only repeat an item if it's been at least 3 years.

How many items will be in my box?

To ensure we get a varied mix of types of items, we guarantee a total value of $60+ in each box rather than a specific quantity of items.

Historically, our boxes have ranged from 2–8 items, but each of these boxes had a similar total value.

Do you offer educational discounts?

Yes, we do! We're all about spreading the love for science, and we understand that schools and teachers (and students) have tight budgets. That's why we offer special educational discounts to help bring our Matter boxes into your classrooms or learning programs.

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

Apply for educational discounts here, or send us a purchase order from your school. Let's make science exciting and accessible for your learners!

How 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 burgeoning 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.

Can I get Matter boxes for my work team?

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 team-building activity, a unique reward, 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. Plus, it's a great way to mix up the usual office routine with some brain-tingling science.

Just let us know how many you need, and we'll handle the rest!

Customer Reviews

Based on 197 reviews
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K
Katherine R.
So cool!

My parents got me a subscription for my birthday and I loved it so much I've kept buying it for myself after my three months were up!

R
R.A.

Fun for all ages! Very diverse items.

N
N.N.
Great Product! I love this science box!

I love thé items that come in my science subscription box. I love thé cards that come with it describing the items and their purpose, history. The items are of high quality and super interesting and neat. I use them for myself and educating even my kids with. Helps me keep the healthy wonder of the world around me.

M
M.W.

Thank you

C
C.H.
1st Box Received

I purchased a series of boxes for my Granddaughter's 12th birthday. We had so much fun going over every item in the box. She has decided to take one of the items to school for science show and tell. Loved it!

S
S.S.
Fantastic education and fun!

Our whole family loved the surprise of what was going to be in the box. It was so special. We can't wait for the next one. My 12 year old son actually sincerely thanked me for purchasing the matter subscription box.

AUTHENTICITY GUARANTEED

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.


WHERE OUR ITEMS COME FROM

Since 2015, we've been cultivating a supplier network that bridges 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.

WE TAKE SCIENCE SERIOUSLY

You deserve better than craft store science products. And we think learning is more impactful when you're holding a tangible piece of what you're learning about. That's why Stemcell exists.

We're dedicated to providing the best scientific products available—whether they're fragments of scientific importance, experimental activities, or just interesting things that scratch your curiosity itch.

With every new product launch, our list of new ideas gets longer rather than shorter. So check in often for our latest projects, and thanks for being a part of our endeavor to make the world a smarter place to live.

Believe in yourself; for everything else, there's science.

— TERRY MUDGE, FOUNDER & SCIENTIFIC DIRECTOR