Meteorite Identification Pictures: A Guide to Recognizing Space Rocks

When it comes to identifying meteorites, there are several key characteristics to look out for. One of the most important factors is the composition of the rock. Meteorites can be broadly classified into three main categories: stones, irons, and stony-irons.

Stones make up about 93% of all meteorites that fall to Earth, while irons account for around 5%. The remaining 2% are stony-irons, which have an almost equal mixture of stone and malleable iron-nickel. It's worth noting that these percentages can vary greatly depending on the type of minerals present in the meteorite.

One way to identify a meteorite is by its density. Meteorites tend to be denser than most Earth rocks due to their high specific gravity. This means they are typically heavier for their size.

Another key characteristic of meteorites is the presence of metal grains or rust spots on the surface. These can appear as small, dark specks or streaks and may be more pronounced if the meteorite has been weathered.

To get a closer look at the internal structure of a suspected meteorite, it's often necessary to grind a small window into the surface. This allows you to see the metal or metal grains within the rock.

Not everyone who thinks they've found a meteorite is correct, however. In fact, very few samples submitted for identification turn out to be actual meteorites. If your suspected space rock fits certain criteria, it may still not necessarily be a meteorite.

The American Meteorite Survey has been working for over twenty years to find, catalog, and distribute meteorites to institutions and collectors. The organization invites the submission of suspected meteorite samples for identification and appraisal.

In conclusion, identifying meteorites can be a challenging task due to the presence of iron oxides and iron minerals in the Earth's crust. However, by looking out for certain characteristics such as density, metal grains or rust spots, and internal structure, you may be able to identify a meteorite. If you're unsure about the authenticity of your suspected space rock, consider submitting it to the American Meteorite Survey for further evaluation.

'meteorite identification pictures'

Meteorite identification pictures