Meteorite Identification

    When hunting meteorites there are a few things that you will need to look for, however every meteorite is unique and may not follow these guidelines: (The best way to learn what is and isn't a meteorite is by looking at hundreds if not thousands of pictures of every different type of meteorites, also purchase authentic ones so you know what to look for, this can be done cheaply on ebay). Click here to see a gallery of "meteorwrongs".  Here is another meteorwrong gallery

   If you think you may have found a meteorite, have a question, or a comment then feel free to contact me and/or post here in the Meteorite forum.

1.  Fusion crust. Usually black on a fresh meteorite, and brown on older ones. However the crust may be washed away over time if in a river bed (it's like they are being tumbled) or a desert (it's like they are getting sandblasted). MOST meteorites will have at least a little fusion crust. Iron ones will most likely be encrusted in rust and may not look like a meteorite.

2. Almost all meteorites have enough iron in them so that they will attract a magnet. Most fridge magnets will not be strong enough for this test, The best magnet to use is a Rare Earth magnet (Neodymium). Neodymium meteorites are very strong and require caution. If the specimen does not seem to attract the magnet, attach it to a string and hold it near the specimen and see if the magnet moves even a little. You can get these magnets HERE.

3. Rounded edges. Usually the edges will be smooth from the voyage through the Earths atmosphere. However if the meteorite explodes close to the ground some pieces may not be so smooth.

4. Usually meteorites are heavier than terrestrial rocks. This is because even the stone meteorites have a lot of iron/nickel compared to Earth rocks.

5. Does it have holes like a lava rock? Almost no meteorites have air bubble holes (non-porous), this is a very rare feature on meteorites. This would also make the stone lighter than most other rocks of the same size.

6. Do a streak test. You can do so by scratching the back side of a ceramic tile, or the bottom side of the lid on the back of your toilet. If it leaves a streak it is probably not a meteorite. If it leaves a reddish-brown streak it is probably hematite. If it leaves a blackish streak it is probably magnetite.

7. If you are able to cut it or grind and polish a window into it, this will help you to see the interior of the possible meteorite. If it has Metal flakes or blotches it is most likely a meteorite. Also if you see chondrules it is most likely a meteorites, because chondrules do not appear in terrestrial stones.

8. If your possible find is a suspected iron (After a long time on Earth iron meteorites will be incased in rust, they may appear to be a hunk of rust until you break it open), you could either cut it or grind and polish a window into it. Then if you have access nitric acid you can etch it, If it has an etch like other meteorites then you found a meteorite, if it has no etch or noticeable pattern it is most likely not a meteorite, however it may be an ataxite which has no etch due to the high levels of Ni. You will also probably see what looks like crack in the iron, these are shock veins.

Go to Homepage,   Collection page, Meteorite forum,  Possible finds,  Contact info,  Meteorwrong collection