Is that a meteorite? Here’s how to find out
Have you ever found a rock and wondered if it was a meteorite? It can be hard to tell the difference, but with the right tools and information, you can figure it out. In this article, we will discuss how to identify a meteorite, as well as what to do if you think you’ve found one. We’ll also provide some helpful resources for further investigation!
First, you should consider the physical characteristics of a potential meteorite. Meteorites typically have a pitted or “thumbprint” surface, are heavier than an Earth rock of the same size, and contain metal grains or even large metal plates. They can range in color from gray to black and may contain small pieces of glasslike material called fusion crust.
Second, you should consider the location where the rock was found. Meteorites are usually found in deserts or other arid regions because they tend to be well-preserved in these areas and may not have been exposed to weathering processes.
Third, if you think you may have a meteorite, it is important to get it tested. There are several labs that will analyze a sample of your rock and determine if it is a meteorite or not. The most common method used to test for meteorites is an X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis, which reports the mineral composition of a rock. Other tests that may be performed include Optical Microscopy (OM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).
Finally, once you have confirmed that your rock is indeed a meteorite, there are several places where you can submit it for classification and archiving. Many universities and research institutes have collections of meteorites that they use for study and research purposes. Additionally, many museums accept donations of specimens as part of their permanent collections.
We hope this has given you a better understanding of how to identify a meteorite and what to do if you think you’ve found one. With the proper tools and knowledge, anyone can become an amateur meteorite hunter! Good luck on your cosmic adventures!
