Size

Meteorites vary in size from a few centimeters across to several feet in diameter.

Shape

Meteorites are rarely round in shape. Typically, they are irregular in shape with rounded edges.

Weight

In general, meteorites are heavier than Earth rocks of the same size because they have a higher nickel-iron content. Naturally-occurring Earth rocks and materials are typically relatively poor in metals, particularly nickel, in comparison.

Color

The surface of a freshly fallen meteorite will appear black and shiny due to the presence of a "fusion crust," the result of frictional heating and abrasion (or ablation) of the outer surface of the rock as it passes through the Earth's atmosphere. The longer a meteorite has been on Earth, however, the more the fusion crust wears away, leaving the meteorite a rusty brown color.

Surface

Most meteorites have a smooth surface with no holes. However, some meteorites will exhibit thin flow lines or "thumbprint"-like features called regmaglypts. Flow lines are cooled streaks of once-molten fusion crust. Regmaglypts are most likely caused by the severe melting and abrasion of the components of the meteorite as it passed through the Earth's atmosphere.

Interior

Most stony meteorites, especially ordinary chondrites which are the most common type of meteorite to fall, will exhibit tiny metallic flecks on a broken, cut, or polished surface (see Warden, below). In addition, most stony meteorites will exhibit small round chondrules (see Plainview, below). As their name implies, iron meteorites will be made almost entirely of metal, while stony-iron meteorites will contain approximately half metal.

Magnetism

A magnet will be attracted to most meteorites, even stony meteorites, due to their nickel-iron content.