A spectacular meteorite was concealed in plain sight for nearly 30 years, overshadowed by its modest position as a doorstop on a local farm in Michigan.
This cosmic gem, weighing 10 kilograms (22 pounds), went undiscovered until a strange series of circumstances brought it to the attention of the scientific community.
Mona Sirbescu, a geologist at Central Michigan University (CMU), discovered the meteorite in 2018 and immediately recognized its significance. “It’s the most valuable specimen I have ever held in my life, both monetarily and scientifically,” she told Science Alert.
This amazing meteorite, later dubbed the Edmore meteorite, was discovered to be a compelling iron-nickel space rock with a significant 12% nickel content.
David Mazurek, a Grand Rapids, Michigan resident, owned the meteorite for three decades before seeking Sirbescu’s help.
When Mazurek bought a farm near Edmore in 1988, the previous owner casually stated that the rock propping open a shed door wasn’t just any old stone—it was a meteorite.
The previous owner recalled a story from the 1930s in which he and his father watched a meteorite race down and crash into their land. The crater left behind led to an amazing discovery, which they soon claimed as their own.
The evolution of a doorstop
Mazurek obtained it and used it as a doorstop for his shed. Mazurek’s children even brought this strange artifact to school for show and tell.
Mazurek chose to have his prize appraised years later, as meteorite aficionados began earning rewards from similar discoveries.
From doorknob to valuable specimen
The study showed the meteorite’s full value, both scientifically and monetarily. Meteorites frequently command high prices due to their scarcity and scientific value.
Recognizing the meteorite’s value, Mazurek sold it for $75,000 to Michigan State University’s Abrams Planetarium.
As a thank you for Sirbescu’s assistance in identifying the meteorite, 10% of the revenues were donated to CMU’s Earth and atmospheric Sciences department.