China Discovers Rare Olivine Meteorite Scattering Zone

 

In previous years, articles have already reported that the major meteorite-rich areas in China are concentrated in the desert regions of Xinjiang, Gansu, Inner Mongolia, and Qinghai. Since 2024, with the collection of more meteorites in Qinghai, the desert areas of Qinghai have been confirmed as a meteorite-rich zone based on the volume of collected meteorites.

2024 Qinghai Ganq 009 Meteorite Discovery Photos

To "fish where there are more fish" applies here—searching for meteorites in areas where they are abundant highlights the importance of resources. Meteorites fall randomly and unpredictably, with no specific regions being significantly favored. However, the quantity of meteorites found is related to geographic advantages. For instance, large areas are more likely to receive more meteorite falls. China, due to its vast landmass, has far more meteorites than smaller nations.

Nanbaxian 002 meteorite discovered in Qinghai in 2024

The discovery of the Qinghai Ganq 009 meteorite in 2024, coupled with photographs from various regions, supports this idea. Furthermore, the climate in different regions affects how long meteorites can be preserved. Dry climates, compared to humid ones, reduce meteorite oxidation, allowing them to be preserved over longer periods. As a result, both older and newly fallen meteorites are better preserved in these areas, increasing the likelihood of discovery. Additionally, open landscapes make it easier to search for meteorites, further boosting the chances of finding them.

Desert and Gobi regions, due to their dry climates and expansive, uniform terrains of grayish-yellow sand, are the areas where meteorites are most preserved, easiest to distinguish, and most likely to be found. Thus, deserts are the only meteorite-rich zones outside of Antarctica. Qinghai, one of China’s four major desert regions, has a total desert area of 18.9478 million hectares and 12.504 million hectares of desertified land. It includes the Qaidam Basin Desert, ranked fifth in China’s eight largest deserts, with an area of 34,900 square kilometers.

With the discovery of meteorite-rich zones in deserts, Qinghai has become a new focus for meteorite hunters after Xinjiang and Inner Mongolia. The number of discovered meteorites has significantly increased in recent years. For example, the following meteorites were discovered in Qinghai in 2024:

• Nanbaxian 002: Ordinary chondrite, discovered on July 14, 2024, in the Golmud region of Qinghai, weighing 8.26 kg.
• Nanbaxian 003: Ordinary chondrite, discovered on July 16, 2024, in the Dachaidan region of Qinghai, weighing 1.075 kg.
• Ganq 009: Ordinary chondrite, discovered on July 24, 2024, in the Ganzi Desert of Qinghai, weighing 44.88 kg.
• Ganq 010: Ordinary chondrite, discovered on August 20, 2024, in the Qinghai Desert, weighing 23 kg.
• Ganq 011: Ordinary chondrite, discovered on August 17, 2024, in the Qinghai Desert, weighing 4 kg.

Other discoveries in 2024 include Ganq 012, Ganq 013, Ganq 014, Ganq 015, Ganq 016, Ganq 017, Ganq 018, and Ganq 019, among others. These are just the officially recorded meteorites discovered this year, already surpassing ten in number. Compared to sporadic discoveries in the past, 2024 can be called a "breakout year" for Qinghai meteorites. However, this does not mean many meteorites fell in Qinghai recently. Instead, the increased attention on Qinghai meteorites this year has led to the gradual discovery of previously fallen meteorites. This suggests that in the coming years, Qinghai’s desert regions may become a prime area for meteorite hunters, following Xinjiang and Inner Mongolia.

Ganq 009 meteorite was discovered in Qinghai in 2024

Where to Authenticate and Evaluate Meteorites?

Established in 2018, Oriental Meteorite Museum is a legitimate third-party professional appraisal organization in China. It does not engage in any transactions and adheres to a strict, objective, and impartial approach. Over the past decade, the company has provided judicial appraisal services for various collectibles to judicial authorities and has offered fair and objective appraisals for private collectors, folk museums, and in cases of collectible transactions or damage compensation.

For suspected meteorites, they use non-destructive chemical composition analysis instruments and compare the results with national research data on various meteorites. By analyzing the structural features of the meteorites, they accurately determine whether the sample is a meteorite, its classification, and provide reference price evaluations based on the meteorite type. The process is open and transparent, allowing collectors to participate throughout. Their certification is highly recognized by professionals and the public. For meteorite appraisal inquiries, you may contact this organization.