How to Tell If a Rock is a Meteorite: What to Look For

If you think you may have found a meteorite, congratulations! Meteorites are rare and valuable, and finding one is an exciting experience. But how can you be sure that your rock is actually a meteorite?

Here are a few things to look for:

1. Meteorites are often very heavy for their size. If you can pick up your rock with one hand, it’s probably not a meteorite.

2. Meteorites often have a fusion crust, which is a thin, dark coating on the surface of the rock. This happens when the rock is heated to high temperatures as it falls through the atmosphere.

3. Meteorites often have a “thumbprint” on their surface. This happens when the rock is heated so much that it melts and then reforms as it cools. The thumbprint is usually a smooth, raised area on the surface of the rock.

4. Meteorites are often magnetically attracted to a metal object. This is because most meteorites contain iron.

5. Meteorites are often irregular in shape. If your rock is a perfect sphere, it’s probably not a meteorite.

Keep in mind that these are just a few guidelines. The best way to be sure that your rock is a meteorite is to take it to a professional for testing. But even if it turns out that your rock is not a meteorite, it’s still a cool piece of space rock!