☄️How to Recognize Real Meteoritic Features - Meteorite Clues Inside & Out 🔍

Think you know what a meteorite is supposed to look like? Let’s put some of the most commonly claimed “meteoritic features” under the microscope. In this educational hangout, Topher and the Knowledge Bolide Crew examine the terminology used to describe meteorites and ask an important question: when you see a crack, depression, line, unusual crust or other feature on a rock, does it actually mean what you think it means? We start with one of the most important external features of a meteorite: FUSION CRUST. Using real specimens, we compare primary, secondary and remnant fusion crust and discuss terms including translucent, iridescent and even the unofficial favorite, “bubbly frothy” fusion crust. We also explain why some descriptions — such as “transparent fusion crust” and “desiccated fusion crust” — can be misleading or scientifically inappropriate. From there, we move into features created during atmospheric flight, including: • Regmaglypts vs. ordinary depressions • Fluted regmaglypts • Contraction cracks • Spalling • Stippling • Flow lines • Radial flow lines • Orientation and highly oriented meteorites • Rollover lips • And how the LOCATION of a feature on a meteorite can be just as important as the feature itself One of the biggest themes throughout this video is CONTEXT. A crack is not automatically a contraction crack. A depression is not automatically a regmaglypt. Something that looks like it “flowed” is not automatically a flow line. Before assigning a meteoritic feature to a rock, the feature should make sense for the physical process that supposedly created it. And this is only the first 38 minutes. The complete discussion continues much further into both EXTERNAL AND INTERNAL meteorite features, including hitchhikers, blowouts, vesicles, vugs, metal blebs, shock veins, raised shock veins, shock melt, impact features, terrestrial weathering, desert varnish, caliche and much more — followed by real specimen challenges where the crew puts these concepts into practice. ☄️ WANT TO WATCH THE COMPLETE VIDEO? The full-length version is available on our Patreon. If you enjoy the educational work we do and would like to help us continue producing videos like this, consider joining as a **Witnessed Fall Supporter for only $10 per month**. Your support directly helps us continue creating meteorite education, presentations, challenges, live hangouts and other content for the community. Not in a position to become a paid supporter? That’s completely fine. *You can also join our Patreon for **** FREE **** and watch the rest of this particular video.*   / topherspin   Our free Patreon members receive several posts throughout the month, including educational content, meteorite challenges, community posts and occasional full-length videos like this one. So if the first 38 minutes wasn't enough and you absolutely have to see what happens next, come join us on Patreon — either as a Witnessed Fall Supporter or completely free — and continue learning with the Knowledge Bolide Crew. Join this channel to get access the Member's Only videos:    / @topherspinmeteorites   Some of my meteorites for sale: (Contact us on Facebook or at topherspin@gmail.com - SAVE MONEY BY CONTACTING US DIRECTLY INSTEAD OF PURCHASING ONLINE) https://www.tinyurl.com/topherspin Monthly rock IDs with paid Rockhounder/Hunter Supporter and White Glove Rockhound Supporter Patreon memberships:   / membership   ************************************************************ I am unable to look at or help you ID your stones. PLEASE DO NOT ASK. Do not post a link to your rock video. Do not try to sell anything here. Do you believe that you really have a meteorite? The Facebook Groups I recommend have a bunch of knowledgeable geologists and meteorite people in there. Submit quality pictures to: www.facebook.com/groups/isitameteorite or www.facebook.com/groups/meteorite.or.meteorwrong Learn how to join our next Hangout live! www.facebook.com/TopherspinMeteorites/events Places to buy my meteorites www.ebay.com/usr/topherspin www.etsy.com/shop/TopherspinMeteorites Please support my outreach efforts - Buy a meteorite! Like, subscribe, and share. Be sure to follow me on Facebook where I am very active posting pictures, videos, and information about the meteorites; most are available to purchase. I am Topher Spinnato, co-owner of Topherspin Meteorites LLC. I am an internationally trusted meteorite educator, importer, collector, and dealer. I am a proud member of the International Meteorite Collector's Association (IMCA #6236) the Meteorite Education & Trade Society (METS #6236), a “Pioneer Member” of the Meteorite Club. Sue, my wife, runs our company's client interactions most days. Sue is also an IMCA member, #7294.