What's that meteorite?

This quick guide will help you understand meteorite classifications.

By Michael E. Bakich

Published: December 28, 2009

The Plainview meteorite is an unmelted stony meteorite, or chondrite. It is unusual among stony meteorites because its makeup includes 20 percent iron. It was found in Texas in 1917.

Photo by Astronomy: Michael E. Bakich

In Astronomy's February 2010 issue, Raymond Shubinski's story, "How to start a meteorite collection," discussed dealers, ethics, and collectors. We didn't have the space to talk about meteorites themselves, however, but this PDF file will help you make sense of all the strange-sounding classes.

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