Meteorite Classifications
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Messengers from the Dawn of Time
Every day, our planet is visited by ancient relics from the birth of our solar system. This guide is an interactive journey to understand these fallen visitors—meteorites. Explore their origins, discover their families, and learn how to identify a piece of another world.
Relative abundance of meteorite falls observed on Earth.
The Great Divide
The entire meteorite family tree splits from one fundamental event: did its parent asteroid get hot enough to melt? This process, called differentiation, created layered worlds in miniature. Explore how this single event creates every major class of meteorite.
Choose a Path
Select an option above to see the fate of an early solar system planetesimal.
Meteorite Families
Meteorites are grouped into four major families based on their origin and composition. Click on a family to explore its members and discover their unique stories.
Is It a Meteorite?
Found a strange rock? Genuine meteorites have a unique combination of features. Answer the questions in our interactive guide to see if your find might be a visitor from space.
Famous Finds: Case Studies
Some meteorites have revolutionized science. Explore these landmark discoveries and learn what made them so important.