A useful first step, but not a laboratory conclusion

Many terrestrial rocks are mistakenly believed to be meteorites. Industrial slag, volcanic rocks, iron-rich materials and weathered geological specimens can resemble extraterrestrial samples in superficial ways. For this reason, visual inspection alone is rarely sufficient.

This page is designed as a preliminary screening tool. It helps the visitor review several common indicators associated with meteorites and estimate whether a specimen deserves closer scientific evaluation. The result is informative only and does not constitute an identification, classification or formal opinion.

The final purpose of this tool is simple: to help distinguish obviously unlikely specimens from those that should be studied in the laboratory under proper scientific criteria.

How this questionnaire works

This guided evaluation reviews a sequence of visible and physical features frequently considered during the initial screening of suspected meteorites. Each answer slightly increases or decreases the estimated probability that the specimen may be meteoritic in nature.

The result is intentionally conservative. It never reaches full certainty, because no online questionnaire can replace petrography, mineralogical interpretation, geochemistry or other forms of laboratory confirmation. And remember: Most suspected meteorites are not meteorites.

What you may wish to examine beforehand

Overall appearance Presence of fusion crust Magnetic attraction Relative weight Density estimate Metallic grains or veins Possible chondrules Regmaglypts Bubbles or vesicles Red powder when filed
Interactive screening

Meteorite screening questionnaire

Answer each question as accurately as possible. Choose Not sure whenever the feature cannot be assessed with confidence.

Question 1 of 10

Does the specimen show a fusion crust?

A fusion crust is usually a thin, dark outer layer formed during atmospheric entry. Weathering may obscure or alter it.

Current estimate

50% estimated probability

The specimen has not yet been sufficiently evaluated.

Progress: 0 of 10 questions completed.

Important scientific limitation

This questionnaire is a preliminary educational and screening tool only. It does not identify, authenticate or classify a meteorite. Many non-meteorites may share one or several of the features described above, while genuine meteorites may also be altered by weathering, cutting, oxidation or terrestrial contamination.

Definitive evaluation requires laboratory work. Petrographic examination, mineralogical interpretation, magnetic susceptibility, geochemical study and other scientific methods remain essential whenever a specimen shows promising characteristics or scientific interest.

Preliminary signs are not enough. The laboratory is the next step.

If your specimen shows several potentially meteoritic characteristics, the appropriate next stage is laboratory evaluation. ADARA Institute offers scientific study of suspected meteorites, including analytical support, interpretation and professional assessment based on current scientific standards.

Even a high result in this questionnaire does not replace laboratory confirmation. It only indicates whether a sample may deserve closer examination.

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