Can meteorites be found in rivers or streams?
Rarely. Meteorites in water rust quickly and get mixed with river pebbles, but iron meteorites have occasionally been found in stream beds.
Meteorites can land in rivers or be washed into them, but finding them there is uncommon.
Why it is difficult. - Rusting. Water speeds up the rusting of iron-nickel metal. Stony meteorites in water break down relatively quickly. - Camouflage. River beds are full of rounded, dark pebbles worn smooth by water, which look similar to meteorites. - Movement. Floods can move and bury stones. - Abrasion. Tumbling in a river can wear away fusion crust, removing one of the best identifying features.
What has been found. Some iron meteorites, which are more resistant, have been found in or near stream beds, often by prospectors panning or detecting for gold. Iron meteorites can be heavy enough to stay in place in moderate currents. Small spherules of space dust also accumulate in river sediments, along with industrial and volcanic particles, but identifying them requires microscopes and analysis.
Gold prospectors. In places such as Western Australia and the western United States, metal detectorists searching for gold nuggets have found iron and stony meteorites, sometimes near dry creek beds.
If you find a possible meteorite in a river. Look for the usual signs: heaviness, magnetism, absence of bubbles and layers, and metal inside. Dry it quickly and thoroughly, but gently, to slow rusting. Record where you found it.
Safety. Rivers can be dangerous. Never wade into fast-flowing or deep water, be aware of slippery rocks and sudden changes in water level, and go with others.