Unbelievable Discovery: Michigan Man Finds Meteorite After 30 Years

In a remarkable turn of events, a Michigan man discovered that the rock he had been using as a doorstop for 30 years was actually a meteorite worth $100,000. Initially found in the 1930s, this stone was confirmed as a meteorite by experts at the University of Michigan. The story unfolds with its fascinating history and the scientific analysis that revealed its true value. This astonishing find highlights the unexpected treasures that can be hidden in plain sight.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 20, 2026, 00:08 IST

A Surprising Revelation

A man from Michigan made a shocking discovery after using what he thought was a simple rock to prop open his door for three decades. This seemingly ordinary stone turned out to be a valuable meteorite. Experts estimate its worth to be around $100,000, equivalent to approximately 74 lakh rupees.

Meteorite's History

The man found this meteorite when he sold his property in 1988. The previous owner revealed that the stone was unearthed in the 1930s during a night excavation in a field. At that time, it was still warm. The new owner thought it looked interesting and decided to use it as a doorstop. Recently, he became curious about its potential value and took it to the University of Michigan for analysis.

Confirmation of Meteorite Status

At the University of Michigan, Professor Monalisa Serbescu was initially astonished by the stone's appearance. She opted for an X-ray fluorescence test, which revealed that the stone contained 88% iron, 12% nickel, and trace amounts of heavy metals like iridium, gallium, and gold. A sample was sent to the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, where it was confirmed to be a meteorite.

Professor Serbescu remarked that it was the first time she had encountered such a valuable stone. She initially thought it might be a fragment from our solar system. Typically, meteorites consist of 90 to 95% iron. The previous owner mentioned that he sold his farm located near Mount Pleasant, about 48 kilometers from Michigan, to a farmer who pointed out the stone, claiming it had fallen from the sky onto his land. Due to its landing in Edmore, the meteorite was named the Edmore Meteorite.