Rock Used as a Doorstop Turns Out to Be Worth Over $1 Million

One person's trash can often be another's treasure. A doorstop, previously perceived as a mere rock, proves this point dramatically. It has transformed into a notable representation of wealth.

Weighing 3.5 kilograms (7.7 pounds), this stone was discovered in a stream bed in southeast Romania. An elderly woman found it, took it home, and employed it to keep her door open, reports Science Alert.

This stone is now recognized as one of the world’s largest intact amber pieces, according to El Pais. Its estimated value? Approximately €1 million, equivalent to about $US1.1 million.

Amber originates as tree resin from millions of years ago. Over extensive periods, this viscous resin fossilizes into a durable, warm-hued material, often classified as a gemstone.

In Romania, amber pieces, referred to as rumanite, emerge around Colti village in sandstone from the River Buzau. This area has seen amber mining since the 1920s. The rumanite is renowned for its deep reds and vibrant hues.

This particular chunk of rumanite remained unnoticed despite jewel thieves previously targeting the woman’s home. After her passing in 1991, a relative began to suspect this doorstop contained hidden value. Upon discovering its worth, he sold the amber to the Romanian state. The experts at the Museum of History in Krakow appraised it.

They dated the amber at roughly 38 to 70 million years old. Daniel Costache, the director of the Provincial Museum of Buzau, remarked, "Its discovery holds great significance at both scientific and museum levels," stating its importance plainly.

This amber, classified as a national treasure, has resided at the Provincial Museum of Buzau since 2022.

The story shares a similarity with a Michigan man who kept a sizable rock as a doorstop, only to later discover it was a valuable meteorite worth $100,000.

Finding amber valued over a million dollars is impressive. Just consider the luxury of doorstops available with such wealth!

Earlier, SSP reported that travel may combat premature aging.