To tell if a rock is a meteorite, start by examining its physical features and characteristics. Many meteorites are magnetic due to their iron-nickel content, but there are non-magnetic meteorites as …

One of the most frequently visited sections of the site is a detailed guide to meteorite identification. As a result of that guide we receive, almost daily, inquiries by letter and email from hopeful individuals …

Meteorite identification. Photos and information about meteorite finds and falls, and historical references. Preserving meteorites since 1998.

Feb 14, 2025 · Meteorites may resemble Earth rocks, but they usually have a burned exterior that can appear shiny. This “fusion crust” forms as the meteorite’s outer surface melts while passing through …

We recommend looking at a lot of photos of the real meteorites on our website. This will help you get a feel for what real meteorites look like. After you have done that, a little background information will …

From photographs, it's not easy to tell. Samples "A", "B", and "C". One or more or all are actual authenticated and researched meteorites. From the photographs alone can you tell which? Samples …

While most meteorites have a smooth surface with no holes, some meteorites exhibit thin flow lines or thumbprint-like features called regmaglypts. Flow lines are cooled streaks of once-molten fusion crust.

3 days ago · Get up close and personal with meteorites by using a microscope — here's how to get started.

Meteorites often exhibit irregular, angular, or rounded shapes, though rarely perfectly symmetrical. Aerodynamic forces during atmospheric entry can sometimes sculpt them into cone-like or shield-like …

The exteriors of most meteorites do not show any iridescent sheen. Their fusion crust is either matte black or glossy black when fresh or rusty brown after being exposed to Earth’s oxygen and water.