Schematic example illustration for the knowledge article “How meteorites are classified”
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Detailed explanation

The traditional division separates stony, iron and stony-iron meteorites. Scientifically, it also matters whether material remained primitive or was melted and differentiated on a parent body.

This is why chondrites are contrasted with achondrites, while iron and stony-iron groups have their own chemical and structural systems.

Broad families
stony · iron · stony-iron

A hierarchy, not one label

A full designation may combine class, group, petrologic type, shock stage and weathering grade. Classification of a specimen should rely on laboratory analysis or a robust link to officially classified material.

Traditional and genetic classification

The broad division into stony, iron and stony-iron meteorites mainly describes visible material. Genetic classification additionally asks which samples came from related parent bodies and which geological processes they experienced.

A practical main class can therefore contain very different formation histories. Chemical groups, oxygen isotopes, mineral chemistry and texture help reveal those relationships.

How to read a full designation

For an ordinary chondrite, “L5” means chemical group L and petrologic type 5. Additions such as S3 and W1 may record shock stage and weathering grade. These codes describe different properties and are not one ranking.

The official name and published classification of a specific meteorite are checked in the Meteoritical Bulletin Database. New analyses may refine older assignments, so the date and source matter.

Short & simple

The essentials in 30 seconds

  • Mineralogy, texture, chemistry and isotopes place meteorites into classes and groups.
  • The traditional division separates stony, iron and stony-iron meteorites. Scientifically, it also matters whether material remained primitive or was melted and differentiated on a parent body.
  • This is why chondrites are contrasted with achondrites, while iron and stony-iron groups have their own chemical and structural systems.

Connected knowledge

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Sources & editorial note

Sources & databases

Editorially paraphrased prefill, reviewed 12 August 2026. The linked sources support further specialist verification.