Imagine using a rock as a doorstop for 30 years, only to find out that it’s worth nearly $100,000. This incredible story happened to a Michigan man who unknowingly kept a piece of space history in his home for decades. This article breaks down how an unassuming rock turned out to be a rare meteorite and the surprising journey that followed.1
The Discovery of the “Doorstop” Meteorite
In 1988, a man from Edmore, Michigan, received what he thought was a simple rock while purchasing a farm. As he toured the property, the farmer showed him a large rock that was being used as a doorstop. The farmer told him it wasn’t just any rock—it was a meteorite. The farmer had seen it fall from the sky in the 1930s and dug it out of a crater while it was still warm. Despite the intriguing origin story, the new owner didn’t think much of it. For 30 years, the rock remained a household item, serving its humble purpose of keeping doors open and even making appearances at school show-and-tell events.
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From Doorstop to Priceless Space Rock
It wasn’t until recently that the man began to wonder if the rock might have more value than he thought. After hearing stories about other Michigan residents selling meteorite fragments, he decided to have his rock evaluated. He brought it to Central Michigan University (CMU), where geology professor Mona Sirbescu was asked to examine it. Sirbescu was no stranger to these kinds of requests. For years, people had brought her rocks, hoping they were valuable meteorites, but they always turned out to be “meteor-wrongs.” However, this time was different. “I could tell right away that this was something special,” Sirbescu said.2
A Scientific and Financial Treasure
Upon further testing, Sirbescu confirmed that the rock was indeed a meteorite. Made up of 88.5% iron and 11.5% nickel, this was no ordinary space rock. In fact, it is one of the largest meteorites ever found in Michigan, weighing in at 22 pounds. According to Sirbescu, it’s also one of the most valuable specimens she has ever handled, both scientifically and monetarily. The meteorite was later verified by the Smithsonian Institution, confirming its authenticity. Experts valued the rock at nearly $100,000, making it a priceless find after spending decades propping open a door.
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A Rock’s Journey Through Time
The farmer who discovered the meteorite in the 1930s remembered vividly the moment it fell. He described hearing a loud noise as the meteorite crashed onto his property. The next morning, he and his father found the impact crater and dug out the still-warm rock. For years, it sat unnoticed, until the farm’s new owner began using it as a doorstop. Little did he know, he was holding a piece of the early solar system. According to Sirbescu, “What I was holding is a piece of the early solar system that literally fell into our hands”.
What Happens Next for the Edmore Meteorite
Now officially named the Edmore Meteorite after the town where it was found, the rock’s future is bright. Both the Smithsonian and a mineral museum in Maine have shown interest in purchasing the meteorite for display. If a sale goes through, the owner has promised to donate 10% of the proceeds to Central Michigan University for further study in Earth and atmospheric sciences. The rock that was once used for everyday tasks may soon find itself on display in a prestigious museum, where it can be appreciated for its true worth.
From Mundane to Magnificent
This fascinating story reminds us that sometimes, even the most ordinary objects – like a rock – can hold extraordinary value. For over 30 years, a piece of space history sat unnoticed in a Michigan home, used for nothing more than propping open doors. Now, it stands as one of the largest meteorite discoveries in Michigan, with a value nearing $100,000. The Edmore Meteorite’s story is not just one of financial gain but of scientific discovery, showing how even the most unassuming objects can have a remarkable past—and an even more exciting future.
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