What Item Did This Mom Find While Walking the Dog That's Now Worth $20K?

Brenda Salveson was following her daily routine taking the dog for a walk when she stumbled upon an item that weighs about as much as a tablespoon of sugar but is worth about $20,000. Although she lives in California, it's not gold left over from the Gold Rush era. It's a 17 gram meteorite.

CBS 13 reports Salveson of El Dorado County found the space rock at a time when many are actually out searching for them in the town of Lotus after a meteor shower occurred recently over the central valley. Watch the local report:

According to CBS, more than a 1,000 people from many countries have come to the area in search of the meteors. Salveson more specifically found hers in Henningsen Lotus Park, where she and her children reportedly come almost everyday:

Geologists, treasure hunters and scientists all took a look at Brenda’s find.

“As I opened my hand, there was a huge gasp,” she said.

Scientists have told her what she had in her hands could be 4 to 6 billion years old.

Even though her find is worth a pretty penny, for now Salveson is hanging onto it. She has allowed her children to show it off for show-and-tell.

In a separate case, the Los Angeles Times blog reported a firefighter had an easy time with finding a meteorite as well. Stopping at the park on his way to work, he found one in 20 minutes and sold it on the spot to a dealer for $2,000.

While this mom was lucky enough to just stumble upon the expensive space rock, not everyone is so lucky. For those interested in seeking out their own meteorites, Space.com recently released five tips that could prove useful. Check them out here.