Man Discovers Meteorite After Using It as a Doorstop for 30 Years

In a remarkable turn of events, a Michigan man discovered that a rock he had used as a doorstop for 30 years was actually a meteorite worth $100,000. Initially found in the 1930s, the rock was unearthed during an excavation and later sold to the man who thought it was just an ordinary stone. After deciding to investigate its value, he took it to the University of Michigan, where tests confirmed its extraordinary composition. This fascinating story highlights the unexpected treasures that can be found in everyday objects.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 28, 2026, 11:25 IST

Unbelievable Discovery in Michigan

A resident of Michigan made an astonishing discovery after using what he thought was a simple rock as a doorstop for three decades. This 10-kilogram object turned out to be a valuable meteorite, with experts estimating its worth at around $100,000 (approximately ₹74 lakh).

Meteorite Found in the 1930s

The man acquired the meteorite when he purchased a property in 1988. The previous owner revealed that the rock 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 began using it to prop open his door. Recently, he decided to investigate its potential value and took it to the University of Michigan.

Confirmation of Meteorite Status

At the University of Michigan, geology professor Monalisa Serbescu was initially surprised by the rock's appearance. She opted to conduct an X-ray fluorescence test, which revealed that the rock 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 seen such a precious stone. She initially thought it might be a fragment from our solar system. Typically, meteorites contain 90 to 95% iron. The previous owner mentioned that he sold his farm near Mount Pleasant, located 48 kilometers from Michigan, to a farmer. The farmer showed him the rock, claiming it had fallen from the sky onto his property, thus giving it the name Edmore meteorite due to its landing location.