Help Identifying rock or meteorites

  • Thread starter leerace
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In summary, "Help Identifying Rock or Meteorites" provides guidance on distinguishing between terrestrial rocks and meteorites. It outlines key characteristics to examine, such as texture, weight, and magnetic properties, along with tips for conducting preliminary tests. The resource emphasizes the importance of consulting experts or using online databases for identification, encouraging enthusiasts to share findings and seek assistance in confirming their specimens.
  • #1
leerace
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I have some rocks wondering if they were meteorites.
Hoping I could get some help Put 2 pictures of each. The first one is magnetic as well as the second one
The second one you can see the lines fold over The third one.
Was not magnetic
But has diamond Lake stones The fourth one looks like it has lines going in 1 direction from like an entry.
And is magnetic the 5 one is magnetic to just not as strong
 

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"Leverite," as in leave her/it right there; veerrryyyy ollddd joke.
 
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Welcome to PF.
Unfortunately, I do not see any meteorites in the collection.

I guess these rocks came from at least two different places. Some are water worn, from a river or a sea shore. It is difficult to identify rocks without being able to get close enough to handle, lick or smell them. A photograph is often insufficient for identification.

The Earth is a big and varied rock collection. It would really help if the latitude and longitude of the finds were recorded, (use Google Earth). That can reduce the possibilities. Also, were they found in an excavation, in a river bed, or on a beach?

What follows is obviously a gross generalisation.

Black, slightly-magnetic rocks tend to be basalts. They may have white minerals deposited by groundwater at the time of the flow. They can also pick up and include local rocks from the river valleys they flow down. Basalts are chemically unstable, reactive, and tend to weather quickly, producing some magnetite, hence the magnetism and red-rust staining.

Black non-magnetic rocks tend to be mudstone, or limestone. They may contain white shell fossils.

Light coloured rocks tend to be sandstones or granites. If they contain vesicles, they may be a volcanic tuff or pumice, that contained gas bubbles when erupted.
Fragile fossils are not well-preserved in sandstones, as they get broken by the high energy environment, then dissolved by groundwater to cement the sand grains.
 
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In addition to what Baluncore wrote, perhaps you can tell us what leads you to suspect these are meteorites anyway?
 
  • #6
leerace said:
The first one is magnetic as well as the second one

The first pair of pic's is the only rock that remotely resembles a meteorite
The only killer is that white crystalline stuff I can see on it in the first pic.
ALL the rest are guaranteed Earth rocks .... sandstones and similar

There's no hint of any fusion crust on them
Meteorites of those general sizes would likely to have "flight" features on them
regmaglyphs etc. When I get home from work, I will post some examples from my collection

cheers
Dave
 
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FAQ: Help Identifying rock or meteorites

What are the key characteristics to identify a meteorite?

Meteorites typically have a fusion crust, which is a thin, dark, glassy coating formed as the outer layer melts during entry into the Earth's atmosphere. They are usually dense, metallic, and often contain iron-nickel. Many meteorites also have a magnetic property and may show regmaglypts, which are thumbprint-like impressions on their surface.

How can I distinguish between a rock and a meteorite?

To distinguish between a rock and a meteorite, look for a fusion crust, check for magnetic properties, and examine the density. Meteorites are generally heavier than ordinary rocks due to their metal content. Additionally, slicing a small section can reveal a metallic, often shiny interior, and chondrules (small, round particles) may be visible in chondritic meteorites.

What tools or tests can I use to identify a meteorite?

Common tools and tests include a magnet to check for magnetic properties, a streak test to see the color of the powder left when scratched on a ceramic tile, and a metal detector. A nickel test can also help, as many meteorites contain nickel. For more precise identification, laboratory analysis such as X-ray fluorescence (XRF) or scanning electron microscopy (SEM) can be used.

Can meteorites be found anywhere on Earth?

Meteorites can potentially be found anywhere on Earth, but they are more easily discovered in deserts and Antarctica. These regions have less vegetation and weathering processes, making meteorites stand out more against the landscape. However, meteorites can fall and be found in any environment, including forests, fields, and urban areas.

What should I do if I think I have found a meteorite?

If you believe you have found a meteorite, document the location and circumstances of the find. Take clear photographs and note any distinguishing features. Avoid cleaning or altering the specimen. Contact a local university, natural history museum, or a professional meteorite expert for verification and further analysis. They can provide more detailed information and confirm whether your find is indeed a meteorite.

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