[meteorite-list] I'm going to start scouring California Dry lakes.

From: Jason Utas <meteoritekid_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Mon Feb 21 00:07:45 2005
Message-ID: <93aaac8905022021071c9d1485_at_mail.gmail.com>

Hello All,
Norm's pretty right -- the deserts out here may be good for finding a
single meteorite, but they are not too profitable.
With my experience, I'd have to say that an experienced hunter will
find a single stone after about eight hours of hunting (only on a very
good surface). The average stone is probably five grams or less.
After analysis you are left with less than three grams. That means
that even if you could find a good site, manage to find a meteorite
and manage to sell your find to someone for $100 per gram, that you
would be left with $300. The cost of a hotel room is ~$50 gas is
~$2/gallon and food/drinks are probably no less than $15 per person
per day. That leaves you with a maximum of ~$200 on a good day. On
average, about a quarter of the days spent hunting will turn up
nothing.
At an average of ~$150 per day, most days of the year will be spent
walking twenty or so miles in 100 degree+ (often upwards of 120
degrees in the shade -- add ten or so degrees in the sun...) heat.
Somehow it doesn't seem like too good a way to make some money.
You should also note that it usually takes most people a good few
trips for to find their first meteorite...
It's only worth it if you're completely insane...or...bitten by the
meteorite bug...
Regards,
Jason
Finder of many...
Received on Mon 21 Feb 2005 12:07:43 AM PST