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Iron meteorite

Meteorites are pieces of stone or iron that fell to Earth from outer space. They are often small chunks of planetoids, but sometimes can be pieces up to kilometres in diameter. Like the planets, the planetoids orbit around our Sun. A typical meteorite hits the surface of the Earth at a rate of approximately 100 metres per second (about 350 km per hour). Obviously even a small meteorite at such a speed may cause great damage. Depending on its size and where the meteorite falls, it might cause an impact crater with a depth of between a few centimetres and up to many meters deep. On very rare occasions it is possible to witness a meteorite fall. These meteorites are referred to as “falls” as opposed to “finds” and are because of their fame, considerably more valuable. Eye-witness meteorite impacts and impact craters help make finding the meteorites easlier and the "witness falls" provide important information. Each meteorite gets a name that is based on the site where it has been found. Finding meteorites is a challenge for scientists and private collectors. Most meteorites, however, plunge into the sea with only 30% falling on land. Most of the meteorites are found on Antarctica and in sandy deserts because they are well visible and therefore easy to find. Types of meteorites Meteorites are very rare, unique and precious. Meteorites contain different types of material and there are three main groups: stony meteorites, iron meteorites and stony/iron meteorites. By far the most desired are pallasites, the most famous of the stony/iron group. They are iron/nickel meteorites with inclusions of spectacular, transparent peridotite crystals, identical to the ones we find on our earth! Pallasites are therefore called “gems from outer space”. Our collection of meteorites Our collection contains both large and small meteorites. You can visit by appointment only or on Saturday without an appointment between 12:00 to 17:00. You may also take a look at our website.