How to Get Started with Meteorite Collecting
Meteorite collecting is a rather unique hobby, based on the discovery and acquisition of meteorites that have fallen from the earth's orbit.
Meteorites are pieces of other bodies in our solar system that have flashed through our atmosphere, often at speeds of 32,000 to 150,000 miles per hour. Most often, meteorites are formed when asteroids collide in outer space, and the shards created by the collision all pulled into Earth's atmosphere.
If the meteorite collector witnesses the actual meteor event (such as when a "shooting star" hits the earth), the meteorite is termed a "fall" (meaning you saw it fall). When the meteorite is found, such as by chance, it is termed a "find".
Often, meteorites are named for nearby towns or geographic locations. A large scattering of meteorite particles in one place is termed a strewnfield.
Meteorite collecting is the past time of collecting meteorite specimens. As you can imagine, meteorite specimens may be difficult to acquire, which actually adds to the challenge and excitement of this unique hobby.
The mass of meteorites recovered so far is so little that meteorites are considered scarcer than gold.
There are three kinds of meteorites, stone, iron, and stony iron. The high iron content in iron meteorites makes them easy to identify for collectors.
If you are thinking of starting your own meteorite collection, you can begin by visiting strewnfields (the sites where meteors impacted the earth) and look for some finds of your own. If you want technology to assist you with your collection, you can also try looking on Ebay, which offers auctions on meteorite samples.
When you are just starting out, it is wise to invest in small samples. It's recommended that you begin by collecting the iron and/or stone meteorites. This will give you a chance to determine what kind of meteorites you might want to collect, without costing you too much at the beginning.
If you collect through online sites, be sure to work with reputable dealers. Use your common sense.
If you decide to visit the strewnfields yourself, use these tips to determine if your finds are truly meteorites:
True meteorites will react to a magnet. This shows that there is iron in the sample.
Look for a thin, dark layer, the "fusion crust", on the sample. This layer forms when the meteorite enters the earth's atmosphere.
Finally, a true meteorite will have a smoothened, almost oval shape. This represents aerodynamic shaving that occurs when materials travel through the air at extremely high speeds. Look for pieces that have been worn away at the edges or on the sides.
If your find reacts to a magnet, shows the fusion crust, and has an aerodynamic shape: Congratulations! You've just collected your first meteorite!
"Rocks from Space” by O. Richard Norton is considered by many to be the best source for learning about meteorite collecting. You may also try "The Art of Collecting Meteorites" by Kevin Kichinka.
Meteorite collecting is, in more ways than one, an out-of-this-world hobby.
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