Meteorite Classification
A meteorite is a solid object found on Earth's surface after it entered earth's atmosphere from interplanetary space. Meteorites are classified into different types based on their mineral composition and the presence or absence of chondrules. Chondrules are one millimeter spheres of silicate material consisting of glass, and typically the minerals, olivine and pyroxene. Chondrules formed when dust in the early solar nebula melted and subsequently cooled. The minerals in the chondrules crystallized out of the droplets of silicate melt.
AMNH Meteorite Collection organized by their Type classification.
- CI1, Ivuna group
- CM2, Mighei group
- CR2, Renazzo group
- CO3, Ornans group
- CV3, Vigarano group
- CK4 to CK6, Karoonda group
- EH3 to EH5, EH group
- EL3 to EL6, EL group
- K3, Kakangari group
- ACA, Acapulcoites
- BRA, Brachinites
- WIN, Winonaites
- ANG, Angrites
- AUB, Aubrites
- CHA, Chassignites
- DIO, Diogenites
- EUC, Eucrites
- C EUC, Cumulate eucrites
- P EUC, Polymict eucrites
- HOW, Howardites
- NAK, Nakhlites
- SHE, Shergottites
- URE, Ureilites
- P URE, Polymict ureilites
- CR CL, CR clan chondrite-related
- MES, Mesosiderites
- PAL, Pallasites
- ES PAL, Eagle station pallasite subgroup
- PX PAL, Pyroxene pallasite subgroup
Irons
Additional notes for the catalog:
UNGR = Ungrouped
UNCL = Unclassified
AN = Anomalous
***= On exhibit in museum
"Meteorite Name" = Informal name used until an official one is given by the Meteorite Nomenclature Committee of the Meteoritical Society.