how to identify a piece of a meteor?

Answer 1

The iron-rich meteorites have a characteristic texture that comes from intense entry heat, which looks pock-marked formerly molten lump. The iron-poor, or silicate meteorites look like sintered material, which is uncommon for Earth rocks. They look like as if a powdered material has been compressed together to make a solid. Grains are very tiny. If you find either one, you've got a good candidate for further analysis to determine if it's really a meteorite. If you find something that looks kind of spongy, full of bubble-holes, it's not likely to be a meteorite, which is why size of the pock-marks are important in making the initial determination.

Answer 2

I know a lot of astronomy, and even quite a bit about meteorites, but even I can't positively identify a meteorite from a regular rock most of the time. If it's an iron meteorite, then it will feel heavy for its size (iron is denser than regular rock) and magnets will stick to it. Otherwise, it can be very difficult to tell. If you think you have a meteorite, call up your nearest science museum and ask them how you can get it identified.

Answer 3

The one I have seen was an iron meteor. I think most meteors are classified as iron or non-iron.

This one looked like it was streamlined, probably from heating up and entering the atmosphere.

There are people out there who buy them. Some can be worth a lot of money. They could probably help you out.

Answer 4

I just watched a tv show about this on the discovery channel. A good way is to use a magnet! Metal detectors over the land too can help you find t hem if you are in an area where one has hit before. They are very valuable.