How many different meteorites are there and where are they listed?

There are over 84,000 recognized meteorites, categorized into various types based on their composition and origin. 

 

These meteorites are primarily classified into three main groups: stony meteorites, iron meteorites, and stony-iron meteorites.

 

  • Stony meteorites, the most common, are further divided into chondrites and achondrites.
  • Iron meteorites are composed mainly of metallic iron-nickel.
  • Stony-iron meteorites contain both metallic and silicate materials.

 

Meteorites are meticulously cataloged in several comprehensive databases and publications.

 

The Meteoritical Society, a professional organization dedicated to the study of meteorites and planetary science, maintains the Meteoritical Bulletin Database (known familiarly within the community as the 'MetBul'). This database is a widely respected resource, providing detailed information on meteorite classifications, locations, and discovery histories. Additionally, the Natural History Museum in London and the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., house extensive meteorite collections and databases, offering valuable insights into these extraterrestrial objects.

 

Academic sources such as university earth and planetary science departments often publish research and reports on meteorite findings, contributing to the broader scientific understanding of these celestial bodies. Laboratory reports from institutions like NASA's Johnson Space Center and the Lunar and Planetary Institute also provide critical data on meteorite analysis and classification.

 

Books and industry journals, such as 'Meteorites and Their Parent Planets' by Harry Y. McSween and 'The Cambridge Encyclopedia of Meteorites' by O. Richard Norton, offer in-depth discussions on meteorite types, origins, and significance. These resources are essential for researchers, collectors, and enthusiasts seeking to explore the fascinating world of meteorites.

Disclaimers;
Information changes as science develops and new discoverioes are made in the field of meteoritics. If you find any information in our FAQs to be incorrect or in need of alteration or elaboration, please let us know using the Contact tab at the top of this page.
Because of the volume and variation of questions that we have needed to cover whilst compiling our FAQs, we have enlisted the help of GPTs that we have created and trained using a host of academic and specialist resources since early 2024. Results are checked, edited, and altered as required. Again, if you think any changes or adaptations should be made, please contact us using the above tab.