Last Updated on May 24, 2022
Many people think that shooting stars have mythical powers and that may sound fascinating to some people; scientifically they are nothing more than meteors or comets fallings down from space.
Thousands of meteorites fall to the surface of the Earth every year however very few of them are actually recovered. This makes them highly rare and collectible.
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How Much Is A Meteorite Worth?
If sold to the right buyer, one gram of meteorite can get you around $300 or more. Some people may even pay around $1000 for one gram of a meteorite. This means that if you have a solid meteorite that weighs around 1 Kilogram then you can get $1 Million for it.
You can say that the valuation is ‘out of this world’. However as meteorites are rarer than the precious metals found on earth Like Diamond and Gold, the valuation is quite justified.
Can Meteorites Be Sold?
Yes, if you find a meteorite, you are free to sell it locally. You might need a permit to export of import a piece of meteorite.
Where Can I Sell A Meteorite?
There are many places where you can sell a meteorite;
- Pawn Shops
- Colleges and Universities
- Geologists
- Museums
- People and Organizations Involved in Space Research
- Auctions
- Collectors
Some of these places may require you to first get the meteorite authenticated from a respected grading or authentication company.
How to Authenticate Meteorites
Meteorites look like large rocks so it can be difficult to differentiate between the two. Meteorites can be found anywhere in the world however most of the pieces are going to be around the place of impact.
If you happen to find a meteorite but you want to be sure about its true origin then it is better to get it authenticated.
You can take it to a Geology department of a well-respected university or you can also take it to a museum for authentication. If you don’t way to send a sample of your meteorite to anyone then you can also check it at home.
Almost all meteorites are magnetic, so if you bring a magnet close to the meteorite, the magnet will stick to it. You can even try it with a fridge magnet. However it is always best to get it authenticated through a geologist. You may need proper authentication by a professional geologist if you want to get a high price for your meteorite.
What Are Meteorites Made Up Of?
Meteorites are usually composed of iron and other metals. In general we can say that there are three types of meteorites.
- Iron Meteorites
- Stony Meteorites
- Combination Of Both Iron and Stone
Can You Find Gold in Meteorites
Meteorites composition can have some gold content in it however the proportion of gold content is almost negligible. The meteorites themselves are more valuable and rare than Gold. So if you have found a meteorite, you have found treasure.
Are Meteorites Of Different Colors?
Meteorites can be of different colors because of their composition. However a newly fallen meteorite is black in color. They are also very shiny. It is due to the abrasion and friction that the meteorite has to endure on its way to the surface of the Earth.
The Largest Meteorite to Have Ever Fallen To Earth without Breaking into Smaller Pieces
The largest meteorite to ever fall to earth is named Hoba. It is located in Namibia and has never been moved from its place of impact.
It is quite rare to see such large pieces of meteorite fall to the surface as most of the times, the meteorite is obliterated in the air due to the earth’s gravitational force. It is believed that this meteorite fell to the Earth around 80000 years ago.
What Are Some Of The Best Places To Find A Meteorite?
Meteorites can be found in almost all parts of the world however it is easier to detect them in certain conditions and terrain. Some of the most common meteorite hunting spots include the American Southwest, The Sahara Desert and Antarctica.
The open land, less population and vast area make it ideal for people to find a black, shiny thing from outer space in the above mentioned places.
What Factors Affect The Worth Of The Meteorite?
Several things can affect the worth of the meteorite. The most common factor that affects the value is the size. The larger the meteorite, the more valuable it gets. Another important factor is the time.
The older the meteorite, the lesser its value. If you find a black and shiny meteor then chances are that it is relatively new on our planet and you can get a lot of money for it.
Other things like condition, type, and the aesthetic appeal of the meteorite can all affect the worth of the meteorite.
