Meteorite Hunting
Search the desert for rocks that fell from space.
Weather-dependent
Great if you want tostart a collection
Picture long, sun-baked hours scanning hardpan and dry lakebeds where everything black looks promising and almost none of it fell from space.
' Most trips end empty-handed.
But cupping a stone that crossed the solar system and landed at your feet is a payoff so improbable it pulls people back into the desert again and again.
Experience
How it feels
Profile axes and skill depth — how this hobby feels day to day.
PhysicalModerate
MentalEngaged
SocialOptional group
StructureFree-form
PayoffMonths
CraftLight tweaks
Skill horizonDeep
Fit
Is this for you?
Honest tradeoffs before you spend money or clear space.
You'll enjoy this if
- Cupping a stone that crossed the solar system would justify every empty trip.
- Scan sun-baked hardpan for hours testing rock after rock.
- Learning the tells, fusion crust, density, a magnet's tug, interests you.
Not for you if
- Endless 'meteorwrongs' and trips ending empty-handed would defeat you.
- Need a likely payoff, not odds this improbable to find anything.
- Long sun-baked hours scanning dry lakebeds sound miserable to you.
Tends to suitThe ObserverThe Explorer
Gear
The full kit
You can start for about $106. These are the versions we'd buy; you don't need it all, cheaper picks work to begin, and the first project is often free. Links open Amazon (affiliate tag).
Field Magnifier
for Bausch + Lomb 81-34-34 Magnifier
~$64Buy
Rock Hammer
ESTWING Rock Pick - 22 oz USA Made Geology Hammer with Pointed Tip &…
~$32Buy
Field Notebook
Rite in the Rain Weatherproof Side Spiral Notebook
~$10Buy
Safety Glasses
Pyramex Ztek(R), Safety Glasses, Anti-Fog & Anti-Scratch, Clear Lens,…
~$32Buy
Sample Collection Bags
Uline Reclosable Poly Bags 6x9 inch
~$18Buy
Start here
How to start Meteorite Hunting
A step-by-step path from your first attempt to work you're proud of. Tick as you go, saved on this device.
First hunt
0 of 4 doneyour next step
Learn what meteorites look like
Fusion crust, density, and the tell-tale signs. Knowing what you're looking for is everything.
0 of 15 steps · saved on this device
Browse
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