A meteorite is a rock that originates in outer space before reaching the ground. While this rock is still in space, it is called a meteoroid. What happens in between has different names and definitions.
Some definitions change the name from meteoroid to meteor when it enters in the atmosphere. But others say that a meteor is only the luminous effect, and the falling rock is still a meteoroid until it touches the ground to become a meteorite. Then, describing the luminous effect we have different names according to the level of brightness and language register. Colloquially, everything can be a shooting star. If we enter into scientific differentiations, a meteor is any luminous display. A fireball is an exceptionally large meteor with brightness above that of Venus. And a bolide is when the meteoroid gets to explode.
Meteorites give us detailed information about the composition, history and appearance of other celestial bodies. This is crucial to understand the origin of the Earth, Solar System and entire universe. Meteorites also give us information about how physical and chemical reactions happen in space, some of which are necessary for the development of life.
Meteorites, specially when they are fresh, have peculiar characteristics such as fusion crust. These features are indicators of the last dramatic seconds of a meteorite’s journey into the Earth, when crossing the atmosphere. You can read more about meteorites’ flight features.
Currently, scientists divide meteorites into 2 groups: undifferentiated and differentiated: whether or not major chemical or physical changes in large parent bodies occurred. Chondrites (see below) comprise the entire undifferentiated group and the rest of meteorites the differentiated group. This division is necessary for scientists as it is precise. There is a more visually intuitive classification that was once used in science and many people still follow that is based on the appearance. In this classification there are 3 main types of meteorites: stony, iron and stony-iron.
Additional resources
Click on the link to learn about impactites: Information About Impactites.
For a detailed guide on identifying meteorites visit: How to Identify a Meteorite.
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