How do I identify my meteorite?

Magnetic: Since most meteorites contain metallic iron, a magnet will often stick to them. For “stony” meteorites, a magnet might not stick, but if you hang the magnet by a string, it will be attracted. Unusual shape: iron-nickel meteorites are rarely rounded.

Is my meteorite worth anything?

Meteorites are valuable both to science and the collecting community. Meteorites have significant financial value to collectors and scientific value to researchers. Meteorite values can range from a few dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars.

What can be mistaken for a meteorite?

Magnetite and Hematite- Often mistaken for meteorites because they are magnetic.

Which meteorites are the most valuable?

Let’s explore the most expensive meteorite pieces offered up on Earth so far!

  • The Springwater Meteorite – €511,000.
  • The Zagami Martian Meteorite – €383,000.
  • The Chelyabinsk Meteorite – €336,000.
  • Dar al Gani 1058 Lunar Meteorite – €281,000.
  • The Main Mass of Zagami Meteorite – €278,000.
  • The Gibeon Meteorite – €280,000.

What rocks look like meteorites?

Magnetite and hematite are common iron-bearing minerals that are often mistaken for meteorites. Both minerals can occur as large masses with smooth surfaces that are heavier than typical rocks, but have some features which resemble meteorites. Magnetite is very magnetic (hence its name) and hematite is mildly magnetic.

What should I do if I find a meteorite?

I urge you to saw your rock in two or cut off an “end.” Use a tile saw or bring it to a local rock shop where they are likely to have a lapidary saw. Most (89%) stony meteorites are ordinary chondrites. Metal grains are easily visible on the sawn face of an ordinary chondrite. If you contact me, use email.

Where is the best place to find meteorites?

Antarctica
The best hunting grounds are large, barren expanses where a dark rock — meteorites tend to be blackish — is easy to spot. Deserts, such as Southern California’s Mojave Desert, and icy regions, such as Antarctica, are ideal.

How can I test a meteorite at home?

Take the sample which you think is a meteorite and scratch it quite vigorously on the unglazed side of the tile. If it leaves a black/gray streak (like a soft leaded pencil) the sample is likely magnetite, and if it leaves a vivid red to brown streak it is likely hematite.

How do you validate a meteorite?

Because of their high iron content, the vast majority of meteorites will attract a magnet. A good test is to dangle a magnet on a string and see if it is drawn towards the stone. If the magnet pulls towards the stone then you are on the right track.

Where can you find a meteorite?

Meteorites can theoretically be found in any true desert or anywhere on a perennial glacier , especially the entire continent of Antarctica.

What are the types of meteorites?

Types of meteorites. Meteorites traditionally have been divided into three broad categories— stony meteorite s (or stones), iron meteorite s (irons), and stony iron meteorite s (stony irons)—on the basis of the proportions of rock-forming minerals and nickel-iron (also called iron-nickel) metal alloy they contain.

What are the features of a meteorite?

The main characteristics of meteorites are as follows: They are irregularly shaped masses, can be angular or square and generally have rounded corners. Some of them will be marked on their surface with pits that are commonly called fingerprints. Iron in meteorites is always alloyed with nickel. Sometimes the number of falling meteors increases dramatically, and these events are called meteor showers.

What rocks are attracted to magnets?

Iron, nickel and cobalt are strongly attracted to magnets. Scientists call these metallic elements “ferromagnetic” because of this strong attraction.