Meteorites are rare, and most rocks that "look like" one — called meteorwrongs — are ordinary iron-rich or slag-like Earth rocks. The good news: a handful of quick tests, combined with a photo identification, will tell you whether your find is worth a closer look.
Start with a photo scan
Before you get out the magnet, photograph the specimen in Fossil Identifier & Rock ID. The app checks it against known meteorite features — fusion crust, density cues, surface texture — and tells you whether it reads as a meteorite, a rock, or something else, along with what to look for next.
Scan your suspect rock now
Get an instant read on whether it might be a meteorite — free on iPhone and iPad.
Download freeThe four home tests
No single test proves a meteorite — do them together. They're the same checks museums recommend as a first pass.
Magnet test. Nearly all meteorites contain iron and attract a strong magnet. No attraction at all makes a meteorite unlikely — but many Earth rocks are magnetic too, so this is a start, not a proof.
Streak test. Scrape the rock on unglazed ceramic tile. A reddish streak points to hematite and a grey/black streak to magnetite — both common meteorwrongs. Most true meteorites leave little or no streak.
Weight (density). Meteorites feel noticeably heavy for their size because of their metal content. A suspiciously light rock is probably not one.
Fusion crust & regmaglypts. Look for a thin dark rind from atmospheric heating, and shallow thumbprint-like dents. No bubbles or holes — vesicles usually mean volcanic rock or slag, not a meteorite.
Signs it's probably NOT a meteorite
- Holes or bubbles — meteorites are dense and non-vesicular.
- Bright metallic flecks of "gold" — likely pyrite (fool's gold).
- A strong red or black streak — points to common iron oxides.
- Very light for its size — most meteorites are heavy.
- Layering or rounded pebbles — earthly sedimentary features.
What to do if it passes the tests
Passing every test doesn't confirm a meteorite — it means your find is worth expert eyes. Contact a local university geology department or a meteorite lab, which can perform a definitive analysis. Keep the specimen dry and handle it as little as possible.
Frequently asked
Can I identify a meteorite for free?
Yes. The app is free to download and try, and the home tests use household items.
Is a magnet test enough on its own?
No. Many Earth rocks are magnetic. Combine the magnet, streak, density and crust checks, then confirm with a specialist.