Rare Meteorite Discovered in Wales After Beachcomber’s ‘Gold’ Rock Turns Out to Be Space Debris
A Welsh beachcomber’s discovery of a heavy, golden-colored rock has revealed a far more unusual origin than treasure – a meteorite dating back to the formation of our solar system. David, who has chosen not to reveal his last name, initially believed he’d struck gold while walking near Maryborough, but a subsequent examination by geologists stunned him with the revelation of its cosmic origins.
The rock, categorized as an H-type ordinary chondrite – the most common type of meteorite, representing around 40% of all catalogued specimens - was cut open using a super-hard diamond saw, revealing a structure of tiny crystallized droplets of metallic minerals called chondrules.Experts believe the meteorite originated from the asteroid Hebe in the Asteroid Belt,scattered across the solar system by ancient collisions. “You’re looking right back to the formation of the solar system here,” explained Dr. Dermot McHenry, a geologist involved in the analysis.
The meteorite is estimated to have entered Earth’s atmosphere within the last 1,000 years, potentially landing as early as June 1951, coinciding with reports of a large fireball seen near Maryborough. David described his find as an unbelievable stroke of luck. “It was just pot luck,mate. A billion to one – bigger, a trillion to one.got more chance of being struck by lightning twice.”
Chondrites like this one provide valuable insights into the early solar system, offering clues about the building blocks of planets and the conditions present during their formation. Museums Victoria, who documented the find with photographs by Rodney Start, confirmed the meteorite’s authenticity and importance. The discovery highlights the ongoing potential for unexpected finds that can deepen our understanding of the universe.
