In 2015, David Hole, a miner, made a remarkable discovery near Melbourne. Using his metal detector, he found a heavy, reddish rock buried in yellow clay. Believing it to be a gold nugget, he took the rock home.
Initial Attempts and Disappointment
David Hole tried various methods to open the rock. He used a rock saw, grinding machine, and even acid. Unfortunately, none of these methods worked. Eventually, it became clear that the rock was not a gold nugget.
Meteorite Identification
Years later, the rock was identified as a meteorite. Dermot Henry, a geologist at the Melbourne Museum, stated, “The rock looked sculpted and pockmarked.” When meteorites pass through the atmosphere, their surfaces melt and take unique forms.
Scientific Analysis and Findings
Unable to quell his curiosity, David Hole approached the Melbourne Museum. Geologist Bill Birch noted, “If you found this rock on Earth, it shouldn’t be this heavy.” Research revealed that the meteorite was 4.6 billion years old and named after the town of Maryborough.
Scientists determined that the meteorite had a high iron content. It was classified as an ordinary H5 chondrite. When sliced, it revealed metallic mineral droplets called chondrules.
Valuable Insights for Space Exploration
Dermot Henry explained, “Meteorites are one of the most economical ways to explore space.” They provide essential information about our Solar System’s age, formation, and chemistry. Some meteorites offer clues about Earth’s depths, while others contain ancient “stardust.” This stardust reveals information about element formation and star evolution.
A Rare Discovery
Researchers have not yet determined where the meteorite originated or how long it has been on Earth. However, they have estimates. This meteorite likely came from the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. It probably escaped after a collision between two asteroids.
Carbon dating suggests the meteorite has been on Earth for 100 to 1,000 years. This meteorite, one of 17 recorded in Victoria, is scientifically considered more valuable than gold. Geologist Henry stated, “The chances of this discovery happening are extremely low.”
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