Michigan Man’s Barn Doorstop Revealed as Rare $100,000 Meteorite

Michigan Man Discovers His Doorstop Actually a Meteorite Worth $100,000. The Edmore meteorite found in northeast Montcalm County in the 1930s and made public this year is Michigan's sixth largest, weighing in at 22.5 pounds. (Photo: Central Michigan University)

A 22-pound (10-kilogram) meteorite, unrecognized for over 30 years while serving as a functional object on a Michigan farm, has been confirmed as a rare iron-nickel space rock valued at over $100,000. Verified as Michigan’s sixth-largest recorded meteorite, the specimen is now sought by institutions including the Smithsonian.

Origins and Discovery

The meteorite struck a farm in Edmore, Michigan, in the 1930s, creating an impact crater and generating a loud noise, according to historical accounts from the property’s former owner. The current owner, who acquired the land in 1988, inherited the rock and repurposed it as a doorstop, occasionally using it for educational demonstrations. Its extraterrestrial nature remained undiscovered until early 2023, when the owner contacted Central Michigan University (CMU) for analysis.

(Photo: Central Michigan University)

Geologist Mona Sirbescu confirmed the rock’s composition: 88.5% iron and 11.5% nickel, consistent with meteoritic origin. “This is the most significant specimen I’ve examined in terms of scientific and monetary value,” Sirbescu stated. The Smithsonian Institution validated these findings, further cementing its scientific importance.

Institutional Interest and Philanthropic Commitment

The authentication has prompted competitive acquisition efforts from the Smithsonian and a Maine-based mineral museum. The owner has committed to donating 10% of the sale proceeds to CMU’s Earth and atmospheric sciences department.

This discovery underscores how ordinary objects—such as a farm doorstop—can conceal extraordinary scientific value. The meteorite’s 90-year journey from impact to identification highlights the enduring relevance of geological literacy and the potential for overlooked artifacts to reshape historical and scientific understanding.