Want A Unique Side Gig That Makes Big Money? Try Meteorite Hunting

by Gus Gonzalez
0K Views
Updated on August 22, 2023

We’re always on the lookout for new side hustles you can try.

And while there are many where you can make a decent chunk of change, most of them can get repetitive after your first few tries.

But what if you could get paid big money to explore and find “treasure” in different parts of the world?

If you dream of a side hustle that gets you out of the house, meteorite hunting can be right up your alley. It’s not your run-of-the-mill side gig, but it can be incredibly lucrative if you know where to look.

Let’s look into this gig’s details and see if it’s the right fit!

What Is Meteorite Hunting?

Simply put, meteorite hunters search for meteorites, fragments of rock that fell to Earth from outer space.

When space rock enters the Earth’s atmosphere and survives the fiery descent, it becomes a meteorite.

These cosmic remnants are a lot more than random space debris.

In the eyes of many scientists and collectors, they’re rare space “treasures” that hold essential details of our solar system and are worth their weight in gold!

How To Make Money Meteorite Hunting

You’ll need to find and sell these meteorites to start making money. There’s a huge meteorite market among scientific institutions, rare earth collectors, and space enthusiasts.

You can potentially make thousands from meteorite hunting depending on the rock’s type, size, and amount of fusion crust it has on the outer part.

On average, prices range from $5 to $50 per gram for more common types. If you strike gold and discover a rare specimen, some collectors will pay up to$1,000 per gram!

Of course, these are the exception, not the rule. But even with more common meteorites, you could still make a decent profit by focusing on finding larger ones.

3 Best Tips For Finding Meteorites

Think of meteorite hunting as a fun cosmic treasure hunt. You’ll need a mix of preparation, knowledge, and luck for the best results. Here are a few tips to boost your chances of landing a good find:

Look For A Good “Hunting” Spot
The first step of a successful meteorite hunter is to go where the treasure is.

Dry places with a lack of vegetation and erosion, like deserts, empty lake beds, or tundras where rocks are easy to spot. Also, watch for reports of meteor showers, as these can often lead to freshly fallen meteorites.

A few of the most popular spots that draw meteorite hunters each year are:

  • Mojave Desert in SoCal
  • Northwest Africa
  • Antarctica
  • The American Southwest

Stay Safe While You’re Out There
Meteorite hunting often takes you to remote corners of the globe, so taking some basic safety precautions before you go is essential.

Pack plenty of water, carry a first aid kit, and let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to return.

If you want to take it a step further, try to go with an organized group, or at the very least, take a companion with you. This way, you’ll have someone there in case of an emergency.

Know Your Rocks
Knowing what to look out for will save you a lot of time and energy during your search.

Meteorites typically have a dark, often scalloped exterior and are denser than typical rocks. Their high iron content also attracts magnets, so always carry one during your trips.

Plenty of meteorite-hunting clubs or online forums help newbies get started. They’ll offer countless resources and help you verify any potential finds!

Read More: How to Find a Meteorite in 5 Steps

The Bottom Line

Meteorite hunting may be different from your typical side hustle. Still, it could yield a high return and let you explore far-flung destinations while you’re at it.

With patience, research, and investments in travel and equipment, you could be well on your way to finding some valuable space treasure. Happy hunting!

Read More: