How can you tell if a rock is a meteorite?

Question

Is there something unique or peculiar about its shape or appearance?

Answer 1

Yes... there are a few ways to identify one...

1. Most meteorites contain some iron and tend to be very heavy. Iron meteorites are approximately four times as heavy as a terrestrial rock of the same size; stone meteorites about three times as heavy.

2. Meteorites usually have a smooth surface with rounded corners. They are never porous like some types of lava (pumice, for example).

3. Fresh meteorites will have a dark gray or black surface. Weathered meteorites will appear brown or rusty.

4. The surface of most meteorites -- particularly if they have fallen recently -- will exhibit a "fusion crust," caused by burning in the upper atmosphere. At least some trace of fusion crust is usually visible on the surface.

5. Sometimes the surface will display tiny "flow lines," showing where melted material flowed off the surface upon atmospheric entry.

6. Indentations called "thumb prints" are also common. They really do look like they were made by someone pushing their thumbs into soft clay. Thumb prints in solid iron meteorites will often consist of deeper, rounded holes -- plum-sized or larger.

7. The interior colors will differ, but after grinding or polishing, most will reveal tiny silver-metallic flecks. Solid iron meteorites have a very bright solid "chrome" interior when cut or ground.

8. Magnets are almost always attracted to meteorites. In fact, if your sample does not attract a magnet, it's about 99.9% certain that it is not a meteorite. Iron meteorites are very strongly attracted to powerful magnets, however a common refrigerator magnet may be too weak to demonstrate a noticeable pull towards a meteorite. If you are testing a potential meteorite with a magnet, first ensure that the magnet is not attached to any other metallic objects, then attach it to a piece of string. While holding one end of the string, touch the suspended magnet to the test rock and slowly back away.

Answer 2

Meteorites are usually very dark on the outside, black, heavy for their size and readily respond to a metal detector. The outer surface is also usually smooth from the heat of entry affecting the surface of the object. Most meteorites are mostly composed of iron and nickel.

Answer 3

You have to check what it is made out of. Usually most of it is rock but there is a little nickle and iron in them.
Go here http://epswww.unm.edu/iom/Howto.htm

Answer 4

Look for the travel stickers from exotic locations.

Answer 5

Look for the "made in outer space" sticker.

Answer 6

just see..when it strikes,,,,if u r alive..that means it was a rock,,if u dont..then........hmmmmm...