Mauritania’s Nomads Turn Meteorite Hunting into a Thriving Industry

In the vast expanse of the Sahara, Mauritanian herders and locals are on the hunt for meteorites, transforming a once-unnoticed pursuit into a business opportunity. With a keen eye for stones with a dark surface known as the “fusion crust,” they search the desert for rare space rocks. Local experts test the rocks to determine their authenticity, but most turn out to be ordinary stones. These meteorites can fetch substantial sums, depending on their origin. The most sought-after of the meteorites are those from Mars and the moon, fetching considerable prices. However, the industry is unregulated, and few make significant profits. Despite the risks and uncertainties associated with the trade, some have made windfalls from these celestial finds, contributing to the growing meteorite trade in Mauritania.

The Washington Post