Iron-rich Meteorite Fragments May Lie Hidden In Utah’s Hills

A meteor went across Utah skies back in April. It exploded in the atmosphere and there may have been parts of it that landed in the mountains. These pieces of a meteor are valuable and here's how to know if you have found one.

Identifying Meteorite Characteristics

Rock Attracts a Magnet

These rocks that fall from space commonly have iron in them that can attract a magnet. That doesn't mean a fridge magnet will stick to the side, but one suspended from a spring may move toward the rock.

The Density of the Rock

It should feel heavier than usual when you pick it up. Meteors contain metal and compressed rock that make it dense. It will weigh more than a similar sized rock found on earth.

Dimples in the Surface

When a meteor passes through the atmosphere it can make depressions that look like fingerprints in the surface. These are call regmaglypts. They may also have a thin crust from the heat from the friction of entering earth's atmosphere.

If you find features similar to the rocks around it like bubbles in the surface, crystals or quartz, or if the surface is easily scratched or streaks, then it is not a meteorite. However, if it sticks out from everything around it, there is a chance.

Read More: These Tiny Data Centers May Change How Utah Sees Them

You can have it tested a laboratory that tests for meteorites. There are many people who spend their free time looking for these valuable space rocks. The meteorite that exploded over Utah could be your opportunity.