Amateur Meteorite Hunters Seek Science and Cash

Meteorite dealer Matt Stream says the space rocks find you, not the other way around.

Mar. 25, 2026 at 3:59am

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Meteorite hunting has become a popular pastime, with amateur prospectors scouring the Earth for valuable space rocks that can be sold for scientific research or personal collections. Matt Stream, a meteorite dealer from Riverside, California, says the meteorites often find the hunters, rather than the other way around.

Why it matters

Meteorites provide valuable scientific data about the formation and composition of our solar system, but they also have a thriving commercial market for collectors and dealers. This hobby highlights the intersection of scientific discovery and financial incentives.

The details

Meteorite hunting has grown in popularity as a hobby, with amateur prospectors using metal detectors and other tools to search for the valuable space rocks. Once found, the meteorites can be sold to dealers, researchers, and collectors for prices ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on the size and rarity of the specimen.

  • Meteorite hunting has become an increasingly popular pastime in recent years.

The players

Matt Stream

A meteorite dealer from Riverside, California who says meteorites often find the hunters, rather than the other way around.

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What they’re saying

“You don't find meteorites, they find you.”

— Matt Stream, Meteorite dealer

The takeaway

Meteorite hunting highlights the balance between scientific discovery and commercial interests, as amateur prospectors seek to uncover valuable space rocks that can advance our understanding of the solar system while also providing financial rewards.