Column about meteorites

Every meteorite that hits the Earth has a fascinating journey of millions, sometimes billions, of years. It was originally just a tiny speck in the clouds of dust and gas that once gathered into the first cosmic bodies. Later it became part of a larger asteroid, perhaps even a planet, only to be ejected again into deep space in a dramatic collision. Before reaching our planet, it travelled through infinite space, subject to the forces of gravity and collisions with other objects. But how do these space fragments come into existence?

1. Collapse of the solar nebula

It all started about 4.6 billion years ago, when a huge interstellar nebula of dust and gas began to collapse gravitationally. This collapse led to the formation of a proto-sun and, at the same time, a rotating disk of material around the newly formed star.

2. The origin of planetesimals

In the rotating disk, tiny dust particles began to collide and combine due to gravitational and electrostatic forces. Gradually, these tiny particles formed larger bodies - planetesimals. These bodies ranged in size from a few metres to hundreds of kilometres and were the building blocks of future planets.

3. Accretion and collisions

Accretion is a gravitational process in which planetesimals gradually grew. This process took place over millions of years and, through subsequent collisions and mergers, led to the formation of the first planetary embryos, called protoplanets. During these collisions, huge amounts of energy were released, often leading to the fragmentation of some bodies. While some planetesimals continued to clump and grow until they formed protoplanets, others were torn into smaller fragments that remained in interplanetary space. These fragments later became meteoroids - small bodies that travel through space.

4. Differentiation

Depending on whether or not the planetesimal has undergone differentiation - i.e., separation into individual layers - meteorites can be divided into two basic groups. Undifferentiated meteorites, which include chondrites, have retained the composition of the original material from the solar system. The differentiated meteorites include achondrites, iron meteorites and pallasites, which come from bodies that have undergone melting and separation of the layers.

Stony meteorites

Chondrites are the most commonly encountered meteorites, accounting for up to 85% of all meteorites found. They are undifferentiated, original remnants of planetesimals, i.e. the primary building blocks of planets that did not enter the process of melting and differentiation. As a result, they retain a composition very close to the original material that formed the solar system more than 4.5 billion years ago.

Chondrites are characterised by chondrules – tiny spherical inclusions composed mainly of silicate minerals that formed early in the solar system. These chondrules were formed by the rapid melting and cooling of dust particles in the protoplanetary disk, probably due to electrical discharges or shock waves caused by solar activity. After their formation, the chondrules and other dust particles began to clump together and combine with the surrounding material to form larger bodies, some of which have survived in their original form to this day and have fallen to Earth as meteorites.

Among the most famous of these is the Chelyabinsk meteorite, whose fall was observed on 15 February 2013 over Russia. This extremely bright meteor, known as a superbolide, entered the Earth's atmosphere at a speed of approximately 19 km/s and began to disintegrate at an altitude of around 30 to 50 km above the surface.

On the other hand, there are differentiated stony meteorites, referred to as achondrites. These meteorites come from bodies that have undergone such intense heating that they have melted and chemically stratified into a core, mantle and crust. In the process, they have lost their chondritic structure and more closely resemble terrestrial igneous rocks. Achondrites are often associated with larger bodies such as the Moon, Mars or the asteroid Vesta.

Among the most famous lunar meteorites is Gadamis 001, whose composition matches rocks brought back by the Apollo missions.

If you are fascinated by Mars fragments, it is worth mentioning Amgala 001, a rare meteorite that comes from the surface of the Red Planet. And if you're interested in other achondrites, NWA 7831 (diogenite) is a beautiful example of a sample from the asteroid Vesta.

Iron meteorites

In iron meteorites, differentiation took place so that the heavy metals, especially iron and nickel, were concentrated in the core of the parent body, while the lighter elements remained closer to the surface. This process led to the formation of a dense metal alloy which became the main component of these meteorites. Their structure often contains crystals of kamacite and taenite, two phases of iron-nickel alloy that were formed during extremely slow cooling. Because of this long cooling process, lasting millions to billions of years, Widmanstätten patterns - the unique crystal structures that are the hallmark of iron meteorites - can be observed when some samples are cut and then etched.

The most famous specimens with Widmanstätten patterns include Muonionalusta, Aletai, Saint Aubin, Mundrabilla and many others.

Image description from left to right: Muonionalusta, Aletai, Saint-Aubin, Mundrabilla

Pallasites - a unique blend of stone and metal

Pallasites are a special group of meteorites that contain both stone and iron components. They make up only about 1% of all meteorites found. They are composed of large, well-shaped olivine crystals surrounded by an iron-nickel matrix.

They probably formed at the interface between the metallic core and the silicate mantle of the planetesimals, i.e. in a transition zone where magmatic processes and melt movement occurred. As a result of these geological processes, the metal and minerals were mixed together to form their characteristic structure - crystals of olivine surrounded by a metal alloy.

Important representatives of pallasites are, for example, Sericho, discovered in Kenya, whose olivine crystals have a green tint, or Seymchan, known for its transparent, yellow olivine crystals. Imilac is considered one of the most beautiful pallasites due to its large, translucent olivine crystals.

Image description from left to right: Sericho, Seymchan, Imilac, Brahin

5. Fragmentation and space travel

Fragments released by collisions travel through space as meteoroids. Some of them encounter the Earth's gravitational field during their journey and enter its atmosphere. As they enter the atmosphere, these bodies can disintegrate by heating up, and if some fragments survive this process, they become meteorites that fall to the Earth's surface.

Conclusion

This whole process, from the initial collapse of the solar nebula to the final impact of meteor fragments on Earth, provides valuable information about the formation and evolution of the solar system. The study of meteoric samples is therefore crucial for understanding the chemical and physical conditions under which the first solids in our Universe were formed.

Explore our full selection of meteorites here: Our meteorite offer.

Author: Terezie Laubrova

This article is protected by copyright under Czech law (Act No. 121/2000 Coll., the Copyright Act). Any copying, distribution, or other use of the content without prior written consent from the author is prohibited. Copyright infringement may result in civil and criminal penalties, including damages and sanctions under Section 270 of the Czech Criminal Code.

A meteorite is a fragment of a celestial body that hits the Earth's surface after passing through the atmosphere. However, to understand the whole process of its formation, it is important to first distinguish several terms.

• An asteroid is a celestial body, usually made of metal or rock. Most asteroids are found in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. If two asteroids collide or if there is another strong disturbance, smaller fragments can be released.
• A meteoroid is a smaller fragment that is released from an asteroid or comet and travels through space. Meteoroids are often very small - from grains of dust to pieces several metres long. When a meteoroid enters a collision course with Earth and enters its atmosphere, it turns into a meteor.
• A meteor is a phenomenon that occurs when a meteoroid enters the Earth's atmosphere. At high speeds, the friction of the atmosphere causes the meteoroid to heat up and begin to glow, creating a bright trail of light, often called a "shooting star". If the meteor is very bright and accompanied by a loud sound, it is referred to as a bolide.
• A bolide is a bright meteor that can reach a brightness comparable to the Moon. It usually explodes or shatters into smaller pieces in the atmosphere, which can be heard as a shock wave. Bolides can be so powerful that they can be seen during the day.
• A meteorite is a body formed when a meteoroid survives a passage through the atmosphere and hits the surface of the Earth. Meteorites can be rock, iron or rock-iron, depending on their composition and origin. Some meteorites are very old and contain material from the formation of the solar system.

Where do meteorites come from?

Meteorites are often very interesting relics from a time when our solar system was just forming, and their origins are varied and rich in stories. These unique bodies come from several different sources.

1. Main belt of asteroids

The first and most important origin of meteorites is the asteroid belt, which extends between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. This region is home to a myriad of asteroids, which are remnants of material from the formation of the solar system. When dramatic collisions occur between these rocky bodies, fragments are released and then travel into deep space. Some of these fragments, driven by the gravity of our planet, end up on Earth as meteorites.

One of the most famous asteroids in the belt is Vesta, the second largest asteroid in the asteroid belt, from which meteorite NWA 14131, for example, is believed to have originated. Many meteorites are thought to have come from the asteroid belt, including Chelyabinsk, Muonionalusta, Wabar, Seymchan, Campo del Cielo and others.

And how did this belt come about?

The asteroid belt is located between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter, in an area between 2 and 4 astronomical units from the Sun. This belt was formed from material that could not coalesce into a full-fledged planet due to the gravitational influence of Jupiter, instead holding a number of smaller objects. Many asteroids formed afterwards as a result of collisions between the original bodies, when larger fragments broke into smaller pieces. These collisions not only shaped the different shapes and sizes of the asteroids, but also allowed the fragments to be released to collide with Earth.

2. Moon and Mars

Another fascinating source of meteorites is the Moon and Mars. When an asteroid hits the surface of the Moon or Mars, it causes materials to be ejected into space. But the process of ejection can be caused by factors other than collisions with other bodies, such as volcanic activity or even gravity pulling fragments outwards. Some of these ejected materials, if they have sufficient velocity, escape the gravitational field of the Moon or Mars and head towards Earth. The journey can take thousands to millions of years before the meteorite finally enters the Earth's atmosphere and hits the surface. We refer to these meteorites as lunar and Martian meteorites. One of the most famous are the lunar meteorite Bechar 003 and the Martian meteorite Amgala 001.

3. Planetary Remains

Some meteorites may be remnants from the time of the formation of the planets. When the planets were forming, there were many collisions that ejected fragments from their surfaces. These fragments, which did not have enough energy to come back, may be on a trajectory that takes them to Earth.

4. The outer solar system

The source of meteorites can be the outer region of the solar system, such as icy moons and Kuiper Belt objects. These objects, often composed of ice and rock, can be subjected to collisions that tear them apart and release fragments into space. Some scientists believe that meteorites may also come from the outer regions of the solar system, including the Kuiper Belt, but none have yet been found that have been conclusively confirmed as coming from this region. The Kuiper belt contains many small icy and rocky bodies that may be potential sources of meteor fragments, but it is not yet possible to identify them conclusively. So for now, these are speculations rather than confirmed finds.

5. Comets

Comets, with their icy cores and dust clouds, also play a role. As these comets approach the Sun, they sublimate the ice and release dust particles that can form meteor showers. When these particles enter the Earth's atmosphere, they turn into bright meteors that light up the night sky.

But are there meteorites from comets?

Although no meteorite has yet been found that is clearly from a comet, based on research into cometary fireballs and transitional objects between comets and asteroids, it is thought that comets can produce meteorites. The most likely candidates are remnants from a parent body originating in the region around Jupiter that could survive entry into Earth's atmosphere. Such meteorites should be rare, dark, faint, porous and contain organic compounds, similar to carbonaceous chondrites. Some meteorite samples, such as Krymka and Supuhee, suggest that cometary meteorites may be identified in the future.

6. Protoplanets

Meteorites also come from protoplanets, which are smaller planetary bodies that formed in the early stages of the solar system. When the surface of these protoplanets was impacted, fragments of their material may have been released and ejected into space. These fragments can then travel through space and, if they have a favourable trajectory, can eventually enter the Earth's atmosphere and fall to the surface as meteorites. An example of such a meteorite is Erg Chech 002, which is a volcanic rock from a protoplanet older than the Earth itself.

What is the fate of the protoplanets?

1. The creation of planets: Some protoplanets that had sufficient mass and were able to attract surrounding material became full-fledged planets. During this process, more planetesimals and other material accumulated, leading to their enlargement and the formation of stable orbits around the Sun.
2. Fragmentation: Many protoplanets were unable to become full-fledged planets and were instead destroyed by collisions with other planetesimals or protoplanets. These collisions led to fragmentation, and the fragments from these protoplanets then became meteoritic material that could be ejected into space.
3. Asteroid belt: Some protoplanets that were in the region between Mars and Jupiter became part of the asteroid belt. This region contains many small bodies that remained unfinished and did not develop into full-fledged planets. As already mentioned, Jupiter's gravity played an important role in this process, destabilizing the orbits of some planetesimals and preventing them from merging into larger bodies.
4. Removal from orbits: Other protoplanets may have been ejected from the solar system due to strong gravitational interactions with other planets such as Jupiter or Saturn. These interactions may have caused the protoplanets to enter hyperbolic orbits and escape the solar system.
5. Causing meteor showers: Fragments from protoplanets that have entered orbits around the Sun can become the source of meteor showers as the Earth passes through the rest of the orbit of these fragments.
6. Change in composition: Remaining protoplanets that have not lost their orbits may have their chemical composition changed by solar radiation, heat, and other factors. These changes can affect their physical and chemical properties.

Overall, protoplanets have had different fates, although most have either disappeared or become part of other planets or the asteroid belt.

Conclusion

Meteorites are fascinating remnants from a time when our solar system was just beginning. They come from different regions, such as the asteroid belt, the Moon, Mars or protoplanets, and can provide valuable information about the origins of the Solar System and the composition of individual bodies in the Universe. Whether they are fragments of disintegrated planets, fragments from an asteroid or fragments from the Moon or Mars, each meteorite contains information about the formation and composition of other bodies in the Universe.

You can find our full range of meteorites here

Author: Terezie Laubrova

This article is protected by copyright under Czech law (Act No. 121/2000 Coll., the Copyright Act). Any copying, distribution, or other use of the content without prior written consent from the author is prohibited. Violation of copyright law may be subject to civil and criminal penalties, including damages and sanctions under Section 270 of the Czech Criminal Code.

The Moon is one of the most famous and visible objects in the night sky, and we notice it almost every day, whether it's a clear night or the sky is only lightly clouded. It is the only natural satellite on our planet whose light illuminates us at night, even though it is really just a reflection of the sun's rays. The Moon is an integral part of our daily lives and inextricably linked to our planet.

Origin

The Earth was born about 4.6 billion years ago by the clumping of planetesimals, which are small bodies that formed from dust and gases in the early solar system. And what did they look like? The Earth's surface was mostly rocky then, and life as we know it today didn't exist yet. The latest theory is that about 100 million years after the Earth formed, a protoplanet comparable in size to Mars, known as Theia, approached our planet and was heading straight for Earth. The collision was inevitable and its consequences could have been catastrophic. This event could have fundamentally changed the evolution of the entire planet, but fortunately, according to this theory, the collision only caused the ejection of material from the Earth, which then formedin its orbit and began to orbit it like the Moon.

Surface

The surface of the Moon is markedly different on the inverted and reversed sides. The inverted side is covered with large dark areas called lunar seas. These seas make up about 31% of the surface and were formed billions of years ago by volcanic activity that created broad pools filled with dark lava material on the Moon. The lighter parts that surround the lunar seas are the lunar highlands and mountains, which are slightly older and more dotted with impact craters.

The far side of the Moon, on the other hand, is much lighter and almost completely devoid of lunar seas, which make up only 2% of the surface on this side, while the rest is covered with high mountains and craters.

Craters on the Moon

Over several billion years, countless meteorites have struck the Moon, as well as the Earth, leaving craters. They are not as visible on our planet as they are on the Moon, because our planet has been shaped and changed over billions of years. Active geological processes, such as volcanic activity, erosion by water and wind, and the movement of tectonic plates, have smoothed or covered these craters.

However, the Moon has no atmosphere, water cycle, tectonic activity or geological activity, which means that all meteorite and comet impacts remain virtually unchanged. Because of these natural manifestations, the craters that have formed on the Moon are still visible and remain preserved.

The largest crater on the Moon, known as South Pole-Aitken, lies on the far side of the Moon, near its south pole. This huge impact crater is 2 240 km across and an impressive 13 km deep.

The lunar surface is also covered with a layer of regolith - a dusty substance formed from fragments of shattered material resulting from the constant impact of meteorites. This regolith covers the entire Moon, and its thickness varies from region to region, from a few centimetres to several metres.

Function

Tides

The Moon's gravity pulls water towards the Earth, causing the oceans to bulge towards it. This bulge is known as a tide, a rise in the water level at a particular point on Earth. On the other side of the planet, where the Moon does not act directly, a tide is created when the ocean level drops. This phenomenon is caused by the Earth being pulled towards the Moon more strongly than the water itself, creating an area of low water on the side facing away from the Moon.

There are two tides on Earth every day. This means that in a 24-hour period, the water level rises twice and falls twice. This cycle lasts approximately 12 hours and 25 minutes due to the rotation of the Earth and the motion of the Moon around it.

Stabilisation of the Earth's axis

The Earth rotates on its axis, which is an imaginary line around which the planet moves. This axis is not perpendicular to the plane of its orbit around the Sun, but is inclined at an angle of approximately 23.5 degrees. This tilt is responsible for the change of seasons, as different parts of the Earth receive more or less solar radiation as it orbits the Sun, resulting in temperature changes throughout the year.

Although the Moon' s gravity does not stop this movement completely, it slows it down considerably. This makes the tilt of the Earth's axis much more stable, which means that the climatic conditions on Earth are favourable for life. Without the Moon, the tilt of the axis could fluctuate, leading to dramatic changes in climate.

Illuminating the night

The Moon provides natural light at night, which in the past was important for orientation of humans and animals who relied on Moonlight for nighttime activities. Although the Moon itself does not shine, its light is a reflection of the sun's rays that bounce off its surface.

Influencing the Earth's rotation

The gravitational pull of the Moon actually slows down the rotation of the Earth, leading to a gradual lengthening of the day. This process is known as tidal friction. At present, the length of the day is increasing by about 1.7 milliseconds per century. This phenomenon is very slow, but over billions of years it has a major impact on day length.

What else does the Moon bring us?

Lunar meteorites originate from the Moon, which are authentic fragments from the surface of the Moon that are formed when another body, such as an asteroid, hits it. On impact, the material is ejected at tremendous speed, and if it is fast enough, it escapes the Moon's gravitational pull and reaches space. The journey through space can take thousands to millions of years, but some debris may eventually head for Earth, where it is caught by Earth's gravity. They then enter the atmosphere and, if they survive the passage, hit the surface. The Moon is the source of only about 0.08% of all meteorites found, making lunar meteorites extremely rare.

One of the most famous lunar meteorites is Bechar 003, which was found in 2022 in Algeria.

Conclusion

The Moon, our faithful satellite, plays an irreplaceable role on Earth . From stabilising the tilt of the Earth's axis to shaping the tides, its influence extends far beyond the mere beauty of the night sky. Although it is one of the largest moons in the solar system relative to the size of its parent planet, its real value lies in how it helps maintain stable conditions for life on Earth. The Moon is not only a fascinating object to observe, but also a key factor in the geological and climatic processes on our planet.

You can also purchase an authentic fragment of the Moon in our e-shop: Lunar meteorites.

Author: Terezie Laubrova

This article is protected by copyright under Czech law (Act No. 121/2000 Coll., the Copyright Act). Any copying, distribution, or other use of the content without prior written consent from the author is prohibited. Violation of copyright law may be subject to civil and criminal penalties, including damages and sanctions under Section 270 of the Czech Criminal Code.

Buying meteorites can be a fascinating and unique hobby, but it also requires a bit of caution. It's not enough just to find a piece that appeals to you - it's important to check that the seller is trustworthy and reliable. We've been specializing in selling authentic meteorites for several years now, and we offer our customers several advantages you won't find elsewhere. Whether you're getting a meteorite just for fun, as a gift or an interesting scientific piece, we can help you choose the right one.

1. Guarantee of authenticity and quality

All meteorites in our offer are selected very carefully. We work with verified suppliers and each meteorite undergoes a thorough inspection to guarantee its authenticity. We also issue certificates of authenticity with our meteorites (included in the box, otherwise at an additional cost) to ensure you are getting a real piece from the universe, not an imitation.

2. Wide range of meteorites

We have the largest offer of meteorites in the Czech Republic and one of the largest in Europe, both in terms of the number of pieces offered and the individual species. Our offer includes a wide range of meteorites - from iron and stone meteorites to rare pallasites and carbonaceous chondrites. Our meteorites come from all over the world and include not only famous specimens such as Campo del Cielo, Muonionalusta, Sikhote Alin or Aletai, but also less common and rarer pieces such as Imilac, Erg Chech 002, Kaalijarv, Esquel and others that will appeal to avid collectors.

3. Clarity when selecting

Are you just looking for iron meteorites? No problem - we have everything neatly sorted either by type or surface treatment. By type you can choose iron, stone or stone-iron meteorites. Thanks to our intuitive system, you can easily browse through the categories, and all categories are accompanied by high-quality images to make your selection easier.

If, on the other hand, you are looking for a specific surface treatment such as slices or plates, just visit the cut and polished meteorite category. Here you will find everything you need, with detailed photos of each piece. With this organized selection, you'll quickly find exactly the meteorite that fits perfectly into your collection.

4. Unique pieces with a story

Each meteorite has its own story, which is why we choose pieces that have an interesting origin and history. We offer meteorites from different historical impacts and events that are interesting. In addition, we have prepared an article with the most interesting meteorite stories, which you can read here.

5. New species are added regularly

We are actively searching for new meteorite species that could further expand our offer. We try to add news on a regular basis, so if you follow our site, you will surely discover something new. Or you can follow us on our Facebook page where we post news and interesting facts.

6. Years of experience and reliability

We have many years of experience in meteorite sales and pride ourselves on reliability and honesty. Our satisfied customers return to us often, which is proof that we do a quality job and this motivates us even more to do better. Customer reviews of our e-shop can be found here.

7. Practical boxes with nice graphics suitable for a collection or as a gift

If you don't want your meteorite just lying around on the shelf, we offer a practical and creative solution in the form of our special boxes. Each meteorite is carefully placed in a box with a graphic background depicting the country where it landed. On the back you will find a certificate of authenticity with a photo of the meteorite, its weight, dimensions and our safety trademark. This ready-made box is ideal not only as a shelf decoration, but also as a unique gift that will delight any space lover. You can find our entire box collection here.

Conclusion

If you're looking for a meteorite to add to your collection, or if you're simply fascinated by the universe, you've come to the right place. Here you will find carefully selected meteorites, expert support and quality service with fast delivery. Treat yourself to a unique experience and bring a piece of the universe into your home - we are here to help you with your selection. Link to all our meteorites here.

Author: Terezie Laubrova

There are many ways to choose a meteorite for your collection. You can decide by type - whether you want an iron, stone or rock-iron meteorite. Likewise, you can choose between raw pieces, slices or end cuts, by size or other parameters. But what about choosing a meteorite based on the fascinating history and story that goes with it? A meteorite with a unique past can be a great centerpiece for any collection, adding an interesting element to tell the story.

Erg Chech 002

The Erg Chech 002 meteorite is one of the most remarkable meteorites discovered in recent times. It was found in 2020 in the Erg Chech region of Algeria, and is the oldest volcanic rock discovered to date. This meteorite is exceptional not only for its composition, but also for what scientists have discovered about its origin.

Erg Chech 002 is an achondrite, which means it does not contain chondrules, but has a composition similar to Earth's igneous rocks. Dating has shown that this meteorite is approximately 4.56 billion years old , which means it is only slightly younger than the solar system itself. It is therefore 23 million years older than our planet Earth. This makes Erg Chech 002 a unique testament to the processes that took place during the early stages of planet formation.

According to scientists, this meteorite comes from a protoplanet that was destroyed during collisions in the solar system. Erg Chech 002 has a composition that is similar to primitive crustal materials, suggesting that it was part of the surface layers of this long-extinct body. Scientists have found that it contains rare minerals such as pyroxene and plagioclase, and its composition has made it a valuable sample for studying the evolution of protoplanets and the differentiation of planetary bodies.

This meteorite is also exceptional for its rarity, as no other meteorite with the same composition as Erg Chech 002 has been discovered so far. Its discovery has advanced scientific understanding of planet formation and shown how collisions and differentiation processes influenced the formation of planets in the early solar system.

Chelyabinsk

The Chelyabinsk meteorite is one of the most dramatic and best documented meteorite falls in modern history. On 15 February 2013, a bright bolide dazzled the sky over the southern Urals, entering the Earth's atmosphere at approximately 19 km/s. This fiery bolide exploded at an altitude of about 30 km above the ground, causing a blinding flash that temporarily blocked out sunlight and was visible for hundreds of kilometres.

The force of the explosion of the Chelyabinsk meteorite was comparable to the energy of 500 kilotons of TNT, more than 30 times the force of the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima. The shock wave shattered windows on thousands of buildings, damaged infrastructure and injured over 1500 people, mostly as a result of flying shards of glass.

The meteorite has been classified as ordinary chondrite type LL5, indicating that it contains relatively low amounts of iron. Scientific analyses revealed that the meteorite fragments contained olivine, pyroxene and small amounts of iron-nickel metal. Research has shown that this meteorite was formed in asteroid collisions billions of years ago and that it travelled through space before being captured by Earth's gravity.

Hoba

The Hoba meteorite holds the title of the largest meteorite found on Earth. This massive iron meteorite, weighing approximately 60 tonnes, was discovered by chance in 1920 on a farm near Grootfontein in Namibia when a farmer ploughing came across the huge metal object. Even stranger, the Hoba meteorite remains where it landed and has never been moved.

Uniquely, the Hoba meteorite did not form a crater when it hit, which is unusual for an object this large. Scientists believe that due to its flat shape and specific angle of entry into the atmosphere, the meteor slowed down enough to land almost "softly" on Earth without causing significant damage to the surface. Hoba is composed mainly of iron and nickel and is estimated to be between 190 and 410 million years old.

This meteorite is valued not only for its size but also for its scientific value. It serves as a fascinating example of how large space objects can reach the Earth's surface relatively undamaged. In 1955, it was declared a national monument of Namibia, which ensured its protection and public access. Today, Hoba is a popular tourist attraction and a subject of interest to scientists who are researching its composition and story.

Sikhote-Alin

The Sikhote-Alin Meteorite is another story that captivates with its dramatic history. This iron meteorite fell on 12 February 1947 in Siberia in the Sikhote-Alin mountains. Witnesses described how the bright fireball flew across the daytime sky and exploded at an altitude of approximately 5.6km above the ground. This explosion created a deafening sound and ripped the meteor into thousands of pieces, which scattered across the surrounding landscape and formed dozens of smaller craters.

The impact of the Sikhote-Alin meteorite was so strong that some fragments penetrated deep into the frozen ground and formed craters up to several metres in diameter. The fragments were scattered over an area of more than 1.3 km² and included both massive pieces with smooth surfaces and smaller pieces with special depressions known as regmaglypts. The meteorite consisted mainly of iron and nickel, which is typical of iron meteorites.

This crash became a well-documented event because many people witnessed this unusual phenomenon. As a result, it was possible to construct a detailed reconstruction of its trajectory and how it broke up.

Bendegó

The Bendegó meteorite is one of the largest and most famous meteorites found in Brazil. It was discovered in 1784 by a cattle herder in an area of the state of Bahia. The original weight of the meteorite was approximately 5.36 tons. Bendegó is classified as an iron meteorite with a high iron and nickel content, which is typical of this type of cosmic body.

An interesting part of the Bendegó meteorite's story is the complex process of transporting it from its discovery site. Due to its enormous weight and the technical limitations of the time, the attempt to move it to the capital was very complicated. During the first transport attempt in 1785, the transport structure collapsed and the meteorite remained in place for several decades. It was not until 1888, thanks to more advanced technology and the railway system, that the meteorite was successfully transported to Rio de Janeiro, where it was exhibited in the National Museum of Brazil.

This meteorite is valued not only for its size, but also for its historical and scientific value. In 2018, it survived a devastating fire at the National Museum, which destroyed much of the collection. Bendegó was found intact among the rubble, making it a symbol of resilience and one of the few surviving witnesses to the museum's rich history.

Tatahouine

The Tatahouine meteorite fell in 1931 near the town of Tataouine, Tunisia, and is classified as a diogenite, a type of achondrite originating from the mantle of the asteroid Vesta. Fragments of this meteorite were scattered over a wide area.

As a point of interest, the city of Tatahouine inspired the name of the famous planet Tatooine in the Star Wars film series. Although not many scenes were filmed in Tatahouine itself, surrounding Tunisian desert locations such as Matmata and others have been used as backdrops for desert settings in films. This connection gives the Tatahouine meteorite an even more interesting cultural context that appeals not only to scientists but also to fans of popular culture.

Author: Terezie Laubrova

Do you want to start collecting meteorites but don't know how and where to start? With an overwhelming number of species to choose from, the first step can be confusing. This guide will give you an overview of the best meteorites for beginners - from affordable specimens that should definitely not be missing from your collection, to rarer pieces that will add value and uniqueness to your collection. You'll also learn what types of meteorites are most popular and what to consider when collecting them.

Recommended meteorites to start with

Iron meteorites

Campo del Cielo

One of the most famous meteorites you can get is the Campo del Cielo from Argentina. This iron meteorite has been found in large quantities and is often available in its raw state, although you can also find cut and polished pieces on the market. When buying, it is important to remember that meteorite is quite unstable and oxidizes quickly, although it is usually treated with oil to protect against corrosion. Campo del Cielo is popular and commercially available, making it an affordable and fascinating sample of the universe that should not be missing from any collection.

Canyon Diablo

Another well-known iron meteorite is Canyon Diablo from Arizona, USA, famous for Barringer Crater, also known as Meteor Crater, which was formed by its impact about 50,000 years ago. The story of this crater is linked to geologist Daniel Barringer, who spent decades searching for a huge piece of meteorite that he believed was buried beneath the crater. Eventually, it turned out that the main body had completely vaporized on impact due to an extreme release of energy. With a total mass of approximately 30 tonnes, this meteorite is one of the more affordable meteorites found and is usually available in its raw form.

Aletai

Another well-known and popular iron meteorite is Aletai from China, which is characterised by the beautiful Widmanstätten patterns that appear when cut and etched with acid. This meteorite is not only available in its raw state, but is also often found in the form of polished plates, cubes, prisms, spheres and even pendants.

The Swedish iron meteorite Muonionalusta, known for its beautiful Widmanstätten patterns, like Aletai, should definitely not be missed in the collection. This meteorite often appears in the form of cuts, slices and spheres, but even in its raw state it has its own unmistakable charm.

 

Sikhote Alin

Sikhote-Alin is a famous iron meteorite from Russia that is affordable and famous for its dramatic fall in 1947. The event was so intense that the impact created thousands of fragments that tore through the forest and left dozens of craters on the ground. Meteorite fragments are characterised by deep depressions known as regmaglypts, which are formed as they pass through the atmosphere. Sikhote-Alin is usually sold in its raw state.

Stony-iron meteorites

If we move from iron meteorites to the less common pallasites, we find that they make up only 1% of all meteorites found. Yet even among them there are famous specimens worth having in your collection. These meteorites are unique in their composition, which includes olivines - often beautifully coloured from yellow to green shades, and often translucent. Because of their aesthetic beauty and rarity, pallasites are one of the most sought-after types of meteorites among collectors.

Seymchan

Sericho

Sericho from Kenya, discovered in 2016, is also among the easily accessible pallasites. This meteorite is known for its evenly dispersed olivine crystals that are embedded in a metallic matrix. The crystals can have beautiful hues from yellow to green, although not all are translucent in sections. Sericho is popular among collectors for its aesthetic value and is available in cut slabs, end cuts and even in the rough.

Stony meteorites

As far as stone meteorites are concerned, they are divided into chondrites and achondrites.

Chondrites make up approximately 86% of all known meteorites, making them the most common type of meteorite. Chondrites are made up of spherical particles, called chondrules, which are spheres of a few mm in size made up mainly of olivines, plagioclase, pyroxene and other minerals.

Achondrites, unlike chondrites, are characterized by the absence of chondrules. Achondrites are the result of more intense geological processes such as melting and differentiation that occurred on parent bodies such as planetesimals and minor planets. These meteorites are similar in texture to terrestrial igneous rocks and contain minerals such as pyroxene and plagioclase in larger crystals. Achondrites are divided into different subgroups, such as HED meteorites (from the asteroid Vesta) or lunar and Martian meteorites, which are fragments from the Moon or Mars.

The NWA mystery

What is NWA and why is it sometimes a number and sometimes just an X? A huge number of different meteorites have fallen into the Northwest Africa region, and some of these meteorites have not been scientifically assigned to any known fall or find and thus have been given the general designation NWA X (Northwest Africa). These meteorites are more affordable for this reason, so you can get larger pieces for relatively low prices. If a meteorite has been classified and assigned to a find or fall, it has a number after the NWA name instead of the X mentioned above, such as meteorite NWA 869 (chondrite), NWA 14131 (achondrite - eucrite) or NWA 7831 (achondrite - diogenite), etc.

NWA 7831

NWA X

NWA X

NWA 14131

So we recommend to start in the category of stone meteorites with some NWA X, which can still be very interesting and reasonably priced.

Chondrites

Chelyabinsk

The Chelyabinsk meteorite is one of the most famous chondrites, thanks to a dramatic fall recorded in 2013 over Russia. This meteorite has become the best documented fall in history because it was captured on countless videos and photos from car dashboard cameras and security cameras. Chelyabinsk meteorite fragments are most often found in their raw state and are very popular among collectors due to their accessibility and important historical story.

Achondrites

Bechar 003

Bechar 003 is a lunar meteorite, a real fragment from the surface of our Moon. Although the price of this achondrite is higher than that of ordinary chondrites, it remains very popular among collectors and the general public. There are both raw pieces, which remain as they fell to Earth, and cut and polished slices with a distinctive texture. A lunar meteorite like Bechar 003 is a unique piece that should not be missed in any meteorite collection.

Amgala 001

Amgala 001 is another very popular achondrite that comes from the planet Mars. These fragments were formed by the impact of another asteroid on the surface of Mars, which led to the rock being ejected into space. After a long journey, this material was caught by the gravitational force of the Earth and fell to its surface. This is a relatively new find from December 2022, with a total found mass of less than 35 kilograms. Amgala 001 is available in raw pieces of various sizes and polished slices, making it an attractive addition for collectors of space artefacts.

Conclusion

This will get you started with the most well-known and common representatives of each major category, which should not be missing from any meteorite collection. We believe this will help you get started and if you are interested in having your collection nicely boxed, we recommend our boxed collection, where you will find almost all of these representatives with graphics.

And for more demanding customers:

If you're looking for something really special to add to your basic collection, we recommend Erg Chech 002 - a rare volcanic rock from a protoplanet in the early days of the solar system, which means it's older than the Earth itself. Another popular collector's piece is Imilac, a beautiful pallasite with olivine crystals, originally from Argentina. The Bendegó meteorite, which has an interesting story behind it, is also worthy of attention. This massive iron meteorite had to be intricately transported to the National Museum of Rio, where it survived a devastating fire in 2018 almost intact, and many others.

Read also our article: The Most Interesting Meteorite Stories

Author: Terezie Laubrova