Rare Meteorite Discovered in Australia, Proving More Valuable Than gold
MARYBOROUGH, AUSTRALIA – A rock initially mistaken for gold by a local resident has been confirmed as a remarkably rare meteorite, offering scientists a valuable glimpse into the early solar system.The 17-kilogram space rock,dubbed “Maryborough“ after the nearby town,is one of only 17 meteorites ever recorded in the Australian state of Victoria and the second largest chondritic mass found there,following a 55-kilogram specimen identified in 2003.
David Hole, the man who initially discovered the stone, brought it to the Melbourne Museum for identification after being unable to open it. “I’ve examined a lot of rocks that people think are meteorites,” said Melbourne Museum geologist dermot Henry.After 37 years at the museum and examining thousands of rocks,Henry confirmed this was only the second genuine meteorite he’d encountered.
The meteorite, estimated to be 4.6 billion years old, displays a sculpted, curved appearance characteristic of atmospheric entry. “The rock has a sculpted and curved appearance. This shape occurs when a meteorite penetrates the atmosphere; the outer part melts, and the atmosphere sculpts the shape,” Henry explained. Researchers, using a diamond saw, found the meteorite contains a high percentage of iron and tiny crystalline grains of metallic minerals called chondrules.
“Meteorites are the cheapest form of space exploration,” Henry stated. “Thes objects take us through time, providing clues about the age, formation and chemistry of our Solar System (including Earth).” He further noted some meteorites contain “stardust” older than our solar system, revealing insights into star formation, and even organic molecules like amino acids, the building blocks of life.
Scientists believe the Maryborough meteorite likely originated from the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter,dislodged by a collision and eventually landing on Earth between 100 and 1,000 years ago. Ancient records of meteor sightings between 1889 and 1951 may correspond to its arrival.
Researchers emphasize the meteorite’s scientific value far exceeds its monetary worth, considering its rarity. The findings were recently published in a scientific paper detailing the meteorite’s composition and origin.
