Meteorite.org

Learn about meteorites
Meteorite hunting, photographs and information

 

WHAT ARE METEORITES?

Meteorites are naturally occurring objects that originate in space and survive a fall to the ground through Earth's atmosphere. Most are remnants of asteroids or possibly comets. However, a few have been shown to be pieces of Moon or Mars that were launched into space by an impact event. While moving through space these objects are known as meteoroids. The bright streaks that they produce while moving through Earth's atmosphere are known as a meteors.

The term meteorite is also used for a meteoroid that has landed on the surface of a celestial body other than earth.

There are three main types of meteorites. The most abundant are stone meteorites which are primarily made up of silicate minerals such as olivine, pyroxene and feldspar. As their name implies, iron meteorites are mainly composed of iron but also contain a significant amount of nickel. The rarest of the three are the stony-iron meteorites. They are a mixture of stony and metallic materials.

Pictured top: A part slice of the beautiful Imilac pallasite from Chile


  Information About Meteorites

The websites below have significant content and photographs related to meteorites:
Aerolite Meteorites
Meteorite News on Pinterest
Meteorwritings: Learn about Meteorites
David Weir's Meteorite Studies
Oscar Monnig Meteorite Gallery
UNM Meteorite Museum
The Meteoritical Bulletin
NinePlanets.org


  Meteorites for Sale

Thousands of people collect meteorites and they are served by a relatively small number of reputable dealers. A few select dealers are listed below. They all provide a fine range of genuine meteorites and related materials. Many fake meteorites are offered for sale, so we strongly recommend buying from dealers who display the International Meteorite Collectors' Association (IMCA) logo on their websites. The IMCA sets the highest possible standards for commercial dealers and all vendors must be recommended and approved for membership.
Aerolite Online Meteorite Sales Catalog
Meteorites.co: World's finest meteorites for sale
Meteorite auctions on Ebay
How to buy a meteorite
Meteorites-For-Sale.com
Campo Meteorites
Meteorite Exchange
Tucson gem and mineral shows


  Meteorite Blog

Geoff Notkin, co-host of Science Channel's award-winning adventure series Meteorite Men is also a science writer and blogger. His popular meteorite blog features articles on meteorite science, expeditions, history, as well as excellent photography. Highly recommended. Recent entries include:
Sikhote-Alin Discovery: The Missing Link
Is the Millbillillie Meteorite from Vesta?
Learn About Meteorites: Rollover Lips
The Great West Texas Meteorite Hunt
Exciting Life of a Meteorite Hunter


  Meteorite Television Shows

Meteorite.org recommends these excellent television documentaries about meteorites and meteorite hunting:
Meteorite Men on Science Channel
Best Places to find Cash & Treasures "Meteorites"

  Meteorite Men on Science Channel

Meteorite Men
Science Channel's multiple award-winning series Meteorite Men, starring Geoff Notkin and Steve Arnold is currently airing around the world on Discovery Science and other networks

[Meteorite Men shop]   [Broadcast schedule]

• Visit the official Meteorite Men website 
• Meteorite Men Episode Guide 
• Meteorite Men on Facebook
• Meteorite Men on Twitter

A complete stone meteorite (L6 chondrite) recovered in McLennan County, Texas, only a few days after it fell to earth. This meteorite was part of the spectacular February 15, 2009 fireball filmed by a cameraman in Austin. Note the black fusion crust which is typical of freshly fallen meteorites, and the numerous flow lines—both created by the intense heat generated by the fireball.
Photograph by Leigh Anne DelRay / Callisto Images

  Meteorite Books

Recommended books about meteorites
Meteorite Hunting: How To Find Treasure From
    Space
by Geoff Notkin of Meteorite Men
Rock Star: Adventures of a Meteorite Man
   
 by Geoff Notkin of Meteorite Men
The Fallen Sky by Christopher Cokinos [review]
Oscar E. Monnig Meteorite Collection Catalog


  Hunting Meteorites

A few websites share information about how to hunt for meteorites. Here is some recommended reading.
Meteorite Hunting Articles
Meteorite Hunting: The Search for Space Rocks
Meteorite Adventures
ANSMET: Antarctic Search for Meteorites
Meteorite hunter Sonny Clary's cosmic gift to UK


  Meteorite Clubs & Associations
Groups dedicated to communication, education, outreach and collaboration related to meteorites.
Club Space Rock – Meteorite Discussion Group
International Meteorite Collectors Association
The Meteoritical Society
British and Irish Meteorite Society

  Meteorite Articles and Publications
The following websites contain interesting articles on meteorites, meteorite hunting and related topics.
Meteorite Times Magazine
Meteorite Impact Structures
Upheaval Dome, Utah
How much is a meteorite worth?

 

  Featured News
The eagerly awaited second book by award-winning author Geoff Notkin of Meteorite Men is Rock Star: Adventures of a Meteorite Man. Stanegate Press, 252 pages, full color throughout, with over 130 exclusive photos, and an introduction by legendary author Neil Gaiman. Order directly from: www.meteoritehunters.tv

 Award-Winning Book!
Enthusiasts who want to learn the secrets of finding space rocks will be delighted by Meteorite Hunting: How To Find Treasure From Space, written by Geoff Notkin, host of the award-winning Meteorite Men TV series. 100 full color pages with 100 photos and illustrations and priced at only $25. Order online from: www.meteoritehunters.tv

  How to Identify Meteorites
Many people find objects that they think, or hope, are meteorites. Detailed articles about meteorite identification can be found on the following websites:
What to do if you find a meteorite - Aerolite.org
Have you found a space rock? - Geology.com
Lunar Meteorite identification - Washington Univ.

  Martian Meteorites
A number of meteorites found on Earth have been shown to be pieces of Mars by studying their chemical and mineralogical composition.
SNC Meteorites
Planetary Meteorites – Meteorites.de

  Iron Meteorites
This Sikhote-Alin iron meteorite (IIAB) was seen to fall in a remote area of Siberia in 1947. It was part of the largest documented meteorite event of modern times. Note the indentations, known as regmaglypts, and the natural hole, caused when the meteorite melted during flight. Iron meteorites that exhibit attractive sculptural qualities, such as this example, and highly prized by collectors for their beauty.

With over 3,200 members, Club Space Rock is the world's largest meteorite forum and it is the place to learn about space rocks and meet hunters, collectors, researchers, dealers and enthusiasts. And it's free!


  Photographs of Meteorites

The web pages linked to below have nice photos of meteorites, meteorite hunting and related topics.
Meteorite pictures and photographs
Meteorwritings: Meteorite Pics
Oscar E. Monnig Meteorite Gallery
Meteorites Australia Meteorite Photo Gallery
The Notkin Collection of Meteorites