Have you ever found a rock on the ground and thought to yourself, wow, this must be a meteorite? If so, you might be wondering how much your little piece of outer space is worth. Wonder no more! In this blog post, we’ll break down the value of meteorites by weight. So, armed with this knowledge, you can determine whether that hunk of metal you found in your backyard is really worth anything or not. Read on to learn more about how much is a meteorite worth per pound or what the most expensive meteorite is.
1. What is a Meteorite?
A meteorite is a natural object that falls from the sky to the surface of the Earth. Meteorites are very different from meteors, simply chunks of rock or dust that enter the Earth’s atmosphere and burn up before reaching the ground. On the other hand, meteorites are large enough to survive their journey through the atmosphere and hit the ground. Most meteorites are fragments of asteroids, small planets that orbit the sun. When an asteroid breaks apart, its fragments can sometimes be on a collision course with Earth. When they hit our planet’s atmosphere, they create a brilliant streak of light in the sky known as a meteor shower. (See What are Geologic Features?)
2. Can a Meteorite be Radioactive?
No. Meteorites are not radioactive. However, they may contain trace amounts of elements that are radioactive. For example, uranium is a naturally occurring element found in small quantities in some meteorites. But even if a meteorite does contain uranium, the levels would be much too low to be harmful. (See What are Examples of Suspension?)
3. How can I tell if I found a Meteorite?
If you want to know how much is a meteorite worth per pound, considering this is important. There are a few ways to tell if you’ve found a meteorite:
- One is by density as most rocks have a density of around 3 grams per cubic centimeter, while meteorites average about 3 to 4 g/cm³.
- Another is magnetism as meteorites are usually attracted to magnets since they contain a lot of metallic iron and nickel.
- Finally, you can often tell by the unusual shape of the rock as most meteoric rocks are not spherical like most terrestrial rocks but have an irregular or lumpy shape. Also, check out what does Fool’s Gold look like?
4. What to do if you find a Meteorite?
If you find a meteorite, the best thing to do is to bring it to a local rock shop. They will be able to tell you more about the meteorite and whether or not it’s worth anything.
5. Do I own a Meteorite if it falls on my Property?
Besides, how much is a meteorite worth per pound, it’s a common misconception that meteorites belong to whoever’s land they fall on. Most countries consider meteorites to be the finder’s property, regardless of where they’re found. So, if you stumble across a meteorite on your property, it’s technically yours and you can do with it as you please.
There are a few exceptions to this rule. For example, in the United States, any meteorites found on federal lands (such as national parks) belong to the government. And in some other countries, like Australia, meteorites found on aboriginal lands may belong to the local indigenous people. (See What are Rubies made of?)
6. How much is a Meteorite worth?
How much is a meteorite worth per pound is a great question and it can vary widely depending on several factors. For example, the size of the meteorite will greatly impact the price as a larger meteorite will be worth more than a smaller one. The type of meteorite is also important, also some types are much rarer than others, and this rarity will translate into a higher price. Finally, where the meteorite was found can also play a role in its value. That said, most meteorites typically sell for somewhere between US$0.50 and US$5.00 per gram. However, very rare ones can exceed US$1,000 per gram. Also, check out how much does Earth cost?
7. How much is a Meteorite worth Per Pound? How much is a 1-pound Meteorite worth?
Meteorites are worth different amounts depending on the type of meteorite and its size. For example, a small fragment of a stony meteorite might be worth around $2 per gram, while a large chunk of an iron meteorite could be worth up to $1,000 per gram. Most meteorites sell for around $50 to $100 per pound. Of course, this rule is always an exception, and some rare or valuable meteorites can fetch much higher prices. (See How Much Would A Shilling Or A Pound Cost In Today’s Us Money?)
8. How much is a 5-Pound Meteorite worth?
A five-pound meteorite is worth quite a lot, depending on the type of meteorite. For example, a five-pound chunk of the everyday chondrite meteorite would be valued at about $50, while a five-pound piece of the rare Gibeon iron meteorite could be worth more than $2,000. So, how much is a meteorite worth per pound depends on the type of meteorite you have. (See What Layer of the Earth does Magma come from?)
9. What is Meteorite price per kg?
How much is a meteorite worth per pound or kg depends on the different types of meteorites, with prices ranging from $10/kg for common iron meteorites to $1,000,000+/kg for exceptionally rare meteorites. Generally, the rare the meteorite, it will be more expensive per kg. Meteorites are also sold by the gram rather than kg, so prices can vary depending on how much you’re looking to buy. If you’re interested in purchasing a meteorite, it’s best to do some research first to see what kind of price range you’re looking at. Many reputable dealers can provide you with a quality product, but there are also many fake or overpriced ones. (See What is the Manufactured Home Installation Cost?)
10. How much are Iron Meteorites worth?
Iron meteorites are said to be worth US$0.50 to US$5.00 per gram, making them some of the most valuable meteorites. While this may seem like a lot of money, it is important to remember that these meteorites are incredibly rare, and their value is largely based on their scientific importance. Iron meteorites are relatively abundant compared to other types of meteorites, but they still only make up a small percentage of all recovered Meteorites, so their value remains high. (See What does k stand for in Money?)
11. Which is the most Expensive Meteorite per gram?
The lunar meteorite known as NWA 11616 is the most expensive meteorite per gram. It was sold for $22,500, or $400 per gram. This meteorite is unique because it is one of the few recovered from the Saharan desert in northwest Africa. Meteorites from this area are rare and, thus, extremely valuable. In addition, this particular meteorite contains a large amount of metal, making it even more rare and valuable. (See How much is 6 Million Pennies?)
12. Top 10 most Expensive Meteorites ever
To get a complete idea of how much is a meteorite worth per pound, here is the list of its expensive types.
- The Fukang Meteorite – €1.7 million: In 2000, a Chinese meteorite hunter discovered the Fukang Meteorite in the Fukang region of China. The meteorite is a pallasite, a type of stony-iron meteorite that contains both olivine crystals and nickel-iron. It is believed to be 4.5 billion years old, making it one of the oldest meteorites known.
- The Main Mass of the Brenham Meteorite – €896,000: This is the largest known meteorite fragment in the world and was found near Brenham, Kansas, in 2005. It weighs 1,433kg and comprises 97% iron and 3% nickel. It was sold to an anonymous buyer in 2007 for €896,000.
- The Conception Junction Meteorite – €724,000: This meteorite was discovered in 2006 in Conception Junction, Missouri. It is made up of iron and is one of the most valuable meteorites.
- The Willamette Meteorite – €851,000: The Willamette Meteorite is the largest meteorite ever found in the United States and weighs about 15 tons. It was discovered in Oregon in 1902 and is currently on display at the American Museum of Natural History in New York.
- The Springwater Meteorite – €511,000: The Springwater Meteorite was discovered in Canada in 1930 and is said to be the largest meteorite fragment ever found on Earth.
- The Zagami Martian Meteorite – €383,000: In October 1962, a meteorite crashed into the Zagami area of Nigeria. The stone, which was later named the Zagami Martian Meteorite, is thought to be a sample of Mars’ crust. It is the largest known piece of Mars and is prized for its scientific value.
- The Chelyabinsk Meteorite – €336,000: This is the largest and most expensive meteorite on this list. It fell to Earth in 2013 in the city of Chelyabinsk, Russia, and caused over 1,200 people to be injured. Witnesses of its fall could raise the price of a meteorite considerably. As a result, the circumstances of the Chelyabinsk meteorite’s breakup have ensured greater valuations for pieces of it.
- Dar al Gani 1058 Lunar Meteorite – €281,000: The Dar al Gani 1058 lunar meteorite is the most expensive meteorite, with a price tag of €281,000. It was found in Libya in 1998 and is believed to be a piece of the Moon that was knocked off by an impact.
- The Main Mass of Zagami Meteorite – €278,000: This is the largest piece of the Zagami meteorite, discovered in Nigeria in 1962. An anonymous bidder bought the 1.36-kilogram stone at an auction for €278,000.
- The Gibeon Meteorite – €280,000: The largest meteorite ever sold was the Gibeon Meteorite. It was found in Namibia, Africa, in 1838 The meteorite is made of iron and nickel and weighs over 83 kilograms. (See Where does Sea Glass come from?)
13. Is It Legal to Own, Buy or Sell a Meteorite?
Most meteorites are legal to own, buy or sell in the United States. Meteorites are considered rocks that fall from space, and while they may be rare, they are not classified as restricted or regulated by the federal government. The vast majority of states also do not have laws specifically about meteorites.
However, certain restrictions may be in place depending on where the meteorite was found. For example, removing a meteorite from a national park or monument is illegal. If you are unsure about the legal status of a particular meteorite, it is best to consult with a lawyer or other legal expert before buying or selling it. (See How to Develop a New Product from Concept to Market?)
14. Where can I sell a Meteorite?
If you have a meteorite you want to sell, there are a few different places you can go. Here are a few of the most common options:
- Online meteorite dealers: Many online dealers specialize in buying and selling meteorites. This is often a good option because it is easy to find buyers, and you can typically get a fair price for your meteorite.
- Local stores: Some local stores may be interested in purchasing your meteorite. However, it is important to note that they will likely offer less money than an online dealer because they will need to resell the meteorite at a profit.
- Museums: If your meteorite is particularly rare or valuable, you may be able to sell it to a museum. However, this is typically only an option for the most expensive meteorites.
- Private collectors: Many private collectors are interested in purchasing meteorites.
This is another thing to consider if you are wondering how much is a meteorite worth per pound. (See Where is Obsidian Found?)
15. Which is the Largest Meteorite for sale?
An amazing $237,500 was paid for a rare meteorite that crashed into the Arizona desert nearly 50,000 years ago during an internet sale. (See How long is 8 inches Compared to an Object?)
So, what’s the verdict? How much is a meteorite worth per pound? The answer may surprise you. Meteorites are often sold by weight, and prices can vary greatly depending on the size and rarity of the specimen. However, as a general rule, smaller meteorites sell for more per pound than larger specimens. But in general, this gives you a good idea of how much is a meteorite worth per pound or what the most expensive meteorite is. (Also read Some Cocktails that Glow under Black Light)
