Kansas Meteorites

(This is the first meteorite found in 1949.)

In 1949, in Kiowa County Kansas, the world's largest Palasite Meteorite was found in a field east of the town of Greensburg. The meteorite weighs in at 1,000 lbs. The Smithsonian Institute has the second largest, weighing in at 740 lbs. (see article HERE)

At the end of October of this year, a professional meteor hunter from Arkansas dug up what is thought to be the country's largest oriented palasite. Also found in Kiowa County, Kansas. (see article HERE)

"The meteorites of Kiowa County are known throughout the world for their gemlike olivine crystals, which look almost like stained glass when cut.

"We get regular reports of meteorites," said Rex Buchanan, associate director of the Kansas Geological Survey. "People see them, and they bring them in. A normal size is anywhere from the size of your fist to a grapefruit."

But a 1,400-pound meteorite found in Brenham Township would be a big deal, Buchanan said.

According to the American Museum of Natural History in New York, centuries ago the Brenham meteorite exploded over the Kansas prairie, scattering more than three tons of meteorite fragments.

Prehistoric Indians were attracted to the rust-colored stones and used them as sacred objects, making them into earrings, knives, chisels and even buttons and beads."