Rock guide
How to Identify Meteorite
Extraterrestrial rock (Fe-Ni ± silicates)
A meteorite is a fragment of solar-system rock or metal that survived atmospheric entry. Identify it by a dark fusion crust, thumbprinted regmaglypts, unusually high density, and — in irons and stony-irons — strong magnetism with a metallic interior.
About Meteorite
A meteorite is a fragment of solar-system rock or metal that survived atmospheric entry. Identify it by a dark fusion crust, thumbprinted regmaglypts, unusually high density, and — in irons and stony-irons — strong magnetism with a metallic interior.
Meteorite is filed under rocks in the RockScan directory. Composition: Iron-nickel alloy ± olivine/pyroxene (type dependent). It forms via solar-system debris heated on atmospheric entry. Typical occurrence: Finds concentrate in deserts and Antarctica; falls occur worldwide. For the broader method, see how to identify rock types.
Meteorite properties
| Mohs hardness | Variable (~5–7) |
|---|---|
| Class | rock |
| Scientific name | Extraterrestrial rock (Fe-Ni ± silicates) |
| Color | Dark brown-black crust; metallic gray interior |
| Luster | Dull crust; metallic interior (iron types) |
| Crystal system / texture | No terrestrial texture (Widmanstätten in etched iron) |
| Composition | Iron-nickel alloy ± olivine/pyroxene (type dependent) |
| Formation | Solar-system debris heated on atmospheric entry |
| Occurrence | Finds concentrate in deserts and Antarctica; falls occur worldwide |
How to identify Meteorite
- Dark fusion crust with regmaglypt thumbprints on the outside.
- Heavy for its size; iron types grab a magnet strongly.
- Broken or cut faces show metal flecks, chondrules, or Widmanstätten pattern — not bubbles.
Lookalikes to rule out
- Iron slag: Slag usually holds glassy vesicles and flow textures; meteorites show a fusion crust with regmaglypts and no bubble-foam interior.
- Magnetite: Magnetite leaves a black streak and is a terrestrial ore; stony meteorites show chondrules or fusion crust rather than a streak test match.
- Basalt: Basalt is fine crystalline volcanic stone of normal density; iron meteorites are far denser and strongly magnetic with metallic interiors.
Photo tips for Meteorite ID
- Photograph the dark fusion crust first, then any broken face showing metal flecks or chondrules.
- Include a scale object and note heft — iron meteorites feel strikingly heavy for their size.
- Shoot outdoors in shade; flash on crust hides regmaglypt thumbprint texture.
Snap one specimen in natural light, then open the result in the online studio or the rock identifier app.
Meteorite FAQ
How do you identify a meteorite rock?
Check for fusion crust, regmaglypts, high density, and magnetism. Slag lookalikes usually have glassy bubbles; meteorites do not. A cut-and-etch Widmanstätten pattern confirms iron types.
Do all meteorites stick to a magnet?
No. Iron and stony-iron meteorites are strongly magnetic, but many stony meteorites (achondrites) respond weakly. Crust and density matter more than a magnet alone.
Meteorite vs slag?
Slag commonly shows vesicles, glassy flow, and odd colors; meteorites show fusion crust plus dense metal or chondrules without a foamy interior.
How to identify a meteorite
Searches for “how to identify a meteorite” spike after fireball news, and most finds turn out to be slag. Run this checklist before claiming space rock:
- Fusion crust: thin dark rind from entry heating — smooth to thumbprinted, not a painted or rusty coating.
- Regmaglypts: shallow thumbprint hollows sculpted by airflow; slag shows bubbles instead.
- Heft and magnet: iron types feel strikingly dense and grab a magnet; stony types are denser than ordinary field rock.
- Interior: a small window shows metal flecks, chondrules, or etched Widmanstätten lines — never foamy glass vesicles.
- Photo confirm: shoot crust, scale, and any broken face, then confirm with RockScan against slag and magnetite lookalikes.
Meteorite vs slag vs magnetite vs basalt
- Iron slag: glassy vesicles and flow banding with odd colors; no fusion crust or Widmanstätten structure.
- Magnetite: terrestrial ore with a black streak; stony meteorites show crust and chondrules instead.
- Basalt: normal-density volcanic stone with fine crystals; iron meteorites are far heavier and metallic inside.
Photo tips for meteorite ID
Diffuse daylight on the crust, one heft-and-scale shot, and a close-up of any broken face with metal flecks. Compare basalt, magnetite, and hematite guides, then confirm in the online studio or rock identifier app.
Related rocks to compare
Browse all: rocks · minerals · crystals · directory · what rock is this · rock vs mineral vs crystal. Confirm with the online studio or rock identifier app.