Knowledge & guidance
Understand meteorites. See the universe anew.
From a clear first explanation to a complete overview of types and classes — in three languages with transparent sources.
Linked classification tree
From broad class to group
Every term opens its dedicated explanation.
06 articles
Foundations
The essential terms and processes, clearly explained.
01What is a meteorite?
A natural piece of rock or metal from space that reached the ground.
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02Meteoroid, meteor and meteorite
Three terms for different stages of one cosmic journey.
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03Where do meteorites come from?
Most originate from asteroids; a small number are demonstrably lunar or Martian.
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04Witnessed fall and find
A fall was observed during its arrival; a find was discovered later.
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05Fusion crust
A thin surface layer formed during atmospheric flight.
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06Chondrules and CAIs
Ancient components that illuminate the early Solar System.
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Types & classes
From the classification tree to rare groups and planetary meteorites.
01How meteorites are classified
Mineralogy, texture, chemistry and isotopes place meteorites into classes and groups.
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02Stony meteorites
Silicate-rich meteorites that include chondrites and achondrites.
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03Chondrites
Primitive stony meteorites whose parent bodies were not completely melted.
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04Ordinary chondrites
The most common chondrite family, divided into H, L and LL groups.
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05Carbonaceous chondrites
A diverse family of primitive chondrites with several chemical groups.
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06Enstatite chondrites
Rare, highly reduced chondrites with enstatite-rich mineralogy.
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07Achondrites
Stony meteorites without chondrules, shaped by melting and recrystallisation.
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08HED meteorites
Howardites, eucrites and diogenites form a major achondrite family, generally linked to Vesta.
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09Aubrites
Light-coloured, enstatite-rich achondrites from highly reducing igneous conditions.
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10Angrites
Very rare basaltic achondrites from the earliest era of planetary differentiation.
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11Ureilites
Carbon-bearing achondrites, usually rich in olivine and pigeonite.
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12Lunar meteorites
Rock ejected from the Moon by impacts and later delivered to Earth.
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13Martian meteorites
Igneous rocks from Mars launched into space by large impacts.
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14Iron meteorites
Metal-rich meteorites composed predominantly of iron-nickel alloys.
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15Widmanstätten patterns
Geometric metal textures produced by extremely slow cooling.
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16Stony-iron meteorites
Meteorites containing substantial silicate minerals and iron-nickel metal.
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17Pallasites
Olivine crystals in an iron-nickel matrix define these stony-iron meteorites.
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18Mesosiderites
Brecciated stony-iron meteorites made from mixed crustal material and metal.
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19What are tektites?
Natural terrestrial glass from the ejecta of large impacts — not meteorites.
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Collecting & care
Authenticity, preservation and a responsible first step.
01Weathering grade and shock stage
Two separate descriptors: alteration on Earth and impact metamorphism in space.
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02Orientation and regmaglypts
Shapes and depressions that can develop during atmospheric ablation.
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03Authenticity and documentation
A robust identification rests on analysis, provenance and traceable records.
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04Meteoritical Bulletin Database
The authoritative international database for officially recognised meteorites and their classifications.
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05Storage and care
Dry, stable and clearly labelled storage preserves both specimens and their history.
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06Your first meteorite
A clearly classified, well-documented specimen is the best beginning.
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