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Meteorites are often detected by metal detectors but are not always recognized as meteorites by metal detectorists.
This post explores the mysterious world of meteorites. Meteorite origin, composition, value, and sensitivity to metal detectors are highlighted. In addition, preliminary meteorite identification tips for use in the field are presented, as are links to supplementary research sources.
So, Can Meteorites Be Detected by Metal Detectors?
Yes, metal detectors, using the All-Metals search mode, can detect most meteorites. And, surprisingly, even though meteorites are coveted, highly valuable commodities (some astonishingly more valuable than gold), most metal detectorists cannot distinguish them from common Earth rocks. In fact, many detectorists mistake meteorites for ordinary *hot rocks and thoughtlessly kick them aside as if they were rubbish. In doing so, rare, precious discoveries have been passed over.
* Hot rock is a term used by metal detectorists to describe a common earth rock of little to no commercial value. It triggers a false target response from metal detectors because it has a significantly higher iron content than the ground upon which it is found.
So, What are Meteorites worth?
Meteorites generally range in value from $0.50 to $1,000/gram or more, depending on condition, size, composition, scarcity, shape, and aesthetic appeal. Their impact story too, if substantiated, can greatly increase their value.
If you’re going to be in the field detecting for gold nuggets, coins, buried treasure or whatever anyway, why chance passing over a valuable meteorite just because you failed to identify it?
Serious metal detectorists everywhere should make it a point to learn meteorite basics. After all, meteorites can land anywhere on Earth, and taking a little time to learn to recognize their tell-tale characteristics could pay off big for coil swingers.
Okay Then, Precisely, What is a Meteorite?
A meteorite is a solid, irregular mass that came from outer space and is often mistaken by laypersons for ordinary Earth rocks. However, meteorites—being composed of rare materials that were present at the birth of the Solar System 4.6 billion years ago, are rare and highly prized.
Some meteorites are fragments of the original matter that assembled into the planets; some are bits of asteroids and comets; a very few are materials from moons and planets, likely ejected from their surface when struck by asteroids or comets.
There Are Gazillions of Meteorites Sailing All Around Our Solar System, Right?
Nope!
There are no meteorites in space—zero. Before becoming a meteorite, the meteorite-to-be is called a meteoroid, a small celestial body of rock or iron orbiting the sun along with the planets, asteroids, and comets.
When, by whatever means, a meteoroid enters the Earth’s atmosphere, it then becomes known as a meteor.
As a result of friction, the meteor incandesces and appears as a streak of light in the sky—known as a shooting star. If the meteor survives its passage through our atmosphere and lands on the surface, it then becomes a meteorite.
Meteorites are divided into three main classes: stony meteorites, iron meteorites, and stony-iron meteorites.
Meteorites found on Earth range in size from grains of sand to the Hoba meteorite, a block 9 ft long by 8 ft wide (pictured below). It is estimated to weigh 60 metric tons, and it’s the biggest naturally occurring piece of iron known to exist on Earth’s surface. It was found in Africa in 1920 at Hoba West, near Grootfontein, Namibia.
Hoba—The World’s Largest Meteorite
Iron and stony-iron meteorites contain metallic iron and nickel; thus, a magnet will stick to them, and metal detectors configured to the all-metal mode will detect them.
However, stony meteorites contain much less iron, not always enough to trigger a solid response from a metal detector or to cause a magnet to stick to it—but enough to attract a magnet hung from a string.
Over the years, as a prospector, I’ve spent innumerable hours searching for gold in countless gold producing areas of the United States. While swinging my metal detector in the field, I was focused on one prize and one prize only—gold.
Now, since I’ve learned about meteorites, I wonder how many of them I may have detected and foolishly discarded—thinking them to be pesky hot rocks. In all that time and effort, I most likely missed out on at least one or two meteorite goodies. Damn!
Ardent detectorists should be acutely aware of the possibility of encountering meteorites in the field. They should learn to recognize a likely meteorite when they come upon one; it isn’t hard to learn how to do, and it doesn’t cost much, beyond a little time.
And the skill, once acquired, will surely result in detectorists discovering and selling more meteorites, thereby contributing to the furtherance of science as well as to the finder’s net worth too. It’s a win-win strategy all around.
To promote that end, here are three simple field observations that can help you determine if your finds could be meteorites and, therefore, whether or not they merit further investigation and, possibly, certification:
1. Density:
Meteorites are noticeably heavy for their size.
2. Magnetic Property:
A strong magnet will stick to iron and stony-iron meteorites. However, stony meteorites contain less iron and are therefore less strongly attracted to a magnet; but they will attract a magnet hanging on a string. (Some few Earth rocks also attract magnets.)
3. Streak:
Normally, meteorites will not leave a streak on an unglazed ceramic surface (most Earth rocks will). However, if you press hard enough, some meteorites may leave a weak, grayish streak.
So, there you have it; we have touched on the origins, value, and physical properties of meteorites. And we have affirmed that metal detectors can detect meteorites—in the right hands of course!
If you are looking for a high-quality metal detector at a reasonable price, you’ve come to the right place. Check out Amazon’s affordable, top brand name, tried and true, metal-detecting machines.
To learn more and be better prepared to identify a potential meteorite in the field, visit the first three following links:
Do You Think You May Have Found a Meteorite? How To Tell