Many laypeople think that finding a 'fallen star' is an amazing, incredible event. In reality, 'guests from space' (meteorites) are quite common on our planet's surface. Of course, these are not as famous as, for example, the Tunguska, Sikhote-Alin, or Chelyabinsk meteorites, which fell to Earth in 1908, 1947, and 2013, respectively. But finding a fragment of a distant planet that has accidentally 'landed' here is entirely possible. All you need is a suitable metal detector and a bit of luck. Many searchers dedicate a lot of time to hunting for such artifacts, as they are not only valuable material that allows us to learn a lot about distant worlds, but meteorites also have a fairly decent market value.
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What meteorites can a metal detector detect?
Every searcher who decides to look for meteorites faces the question of how to distinguish a 'cosmic visitor' from an ordinary earthly rock. A metal detector will respond to almost all meteorites, which are divided into three types:
Iron. These objects are solid pieces of metal. It is very rare for them to be pure iron. Most often, they contain nickel, and less commonly, other types of metals.
Stony-iron. Their structure contains various minerals that can be visually identified as multicolored inclusions. They resemble a metal sponge in appearance.
Stony. These are less common than the other types. Visually, they are almost indistinguishable from ordinary rocks, but on a fracture, small silicate spheres—chondrules—and metallic particles can be observed.
In general, purely stony meteorites are very rare; in the structure of almost all 'visitors from space,' there are metals. Therefore, a metal detector will definitely respond to them. The question is, how bright or noticeable this reaction will be. And this primarily depends on the correct choice and settings of the metal detector.
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How to find the meteorite crash site
to find a meteorite fall siteIt may seem incredible, but meteorites are not such rare guests on our planet. Of course, giants like those mentioned above are quite rare. But according to scientists' calculations, just in one day, dozens of tons of meteorites fall on Earth, both large ones weighing several kilograms and smaller, relatively fine grains. The problem is that they are distributed almost evenly across the planet's surface. In other words, meteorites fall not only in inhabited, easily accessible areas but also in the taiga, deserts, Antarctica, the Arctic, and even to the bottoms of oceans, seas, and lakes, from which retrieving them is almost impossible.
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It is better to search for meteorites in areas where vegetation is sparse or completely absent. However, you should not rely solely on luck. Before setting out on a search, conduct preliminary research to gather information. First and foremost, pay attention to information from official sources, as well as that presented on scientific or news channels. Although reports of fallen meteorites or even meteor showers can also be found on various forums and social networks. Another source of information about meteorite falls can be chronicles and ancient manuscripts.
Which Metal Detector to Choose for Meteorite Hunting
As mentioned above, almost all meteorites contain metals. Therefore, for their search, you can generally use any metal detector, whether an inexpensive one designed for a beginner or a metal detector with advanced features. However, it is most preferable to purchase devices designed for gold prospecting for meteorite hunting. Such metal detectors are capable of detecting targets at a significant depth. Following the recommendations below will make the search process easier.
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It is good if the detector has an "All Metal" mode. This means that pulse metal detectors are more preferable than devices based on VLF or BBS principles.
Pay attention to the weight of the detector. Most likely, you will have to work almost the entire daylight period, which is 8-12 hours. The lighter the metal detector, the easier it is to handle.
A large coil has increased detection depth, but it is not sensitive to small objects. However, a "sniper" coil will also not be the best option. Choose elliptical coils with a diameter of 9"-11". For searching deeply buried meteorites, additionally buy a 15" coil.
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How to distinguish a meteorite from stones and iron slags
Many treasure hunters, just beginning meteorite hunting, bring home every rock that seems suspicious to them, fearing that an overlooked and left in the field object could turn out to be a valuable and expensive meteorite. Therefore, when you find an object that could be a 'cosmic visitor,' pay attention to the following signs.
Regmaglypts are cavities and pits formed under the influence of high temperatures while it passes through the layers of the atmosphere. However, their absence is not an indicator that the stone is not a meteorite. Sometimes, a flying object explodes high above the Earth's surface. Small particles scatter in different directions, similar to shrapnel. The spinning fragments will have an irregular shape; in addition, they will be covered with regmaglypts. And the pieces that do not acquire rotational momentum will resemble a cone, a bullet, or the tip of a fang in shape. Moreover, the ends will show signs of melting from the mass of molten material that was blown off as the meteorite fell at high speed. The tip of the cone will have a melting area a few microns thick, while on the opposite end, it can reach a millimeter.
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If the stone has drips, deflects the compass needle, or is attracted to a magnet, you can try polishing a small area of it. To do this, simply rub it with a file or sandpaper, and then treat the spot with nitric acid. If it is indeed a meteorite, you will see the characteristic Widmanstätten pattern (a needle-like pattern of kamacite and taenite minerals).
As already mentioned, these objects have a porous surface formed under the influence of high temperatures. Its interior should be dense and homogeneous. A completely porous structure, even if there are slagged areas, indicates that you are looking at a piece of slag. Magnetites or magmatic rocks with slight magnetism are often mistaken for meteorites. You can confirm the terrestrial origin of such a stone by chipping off a small piece. If veins or quartz crystals are visible in the chip, your excitement was in vain. It is definitely not a meteorite.
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Scrape the found object. For it to be a meteorite, it should not contain gypsum, chalk, feldspar, or other easily crumbling substances. Another sign that is easy to check is weight. A meteorite has a very high density, which means its mass is quite large. If you didn't bring a scale, you can test the object simply by comparing it with a stone of the same volume.
Even such fairly simple studies will be enough to confidently say whether you have found a real meteorite or an ordinary rock, a piece of granite.
Laws on Meteorite Searching
While the search for archaeological and historical artifacts, relics, and rarities is regulated by law and controlled by the relevant authorities, searching for meteorites is not prohibited. They do not belong to minerals, subsoil, natural resources, or objects of cultural heritage. In other words, they are not state property and a license is not required to search for them.
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The only case when a permit may be required is the possibility of selling, buying, or exchanging meteorite material. At the same time, in our country, you can carry out these transactions without any restrictions.
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