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Meteorites are solid pieces of debris from space that originate in various celestial environments, such as from asteroids, comets, the Moon, or Mars. When these objects enter Earth's atmosphere, they are initially called meteoroids. Upon passing through the atmosphere and reaching the surface, they are termed meteorites if they survive the journey without completely disintegrating.

Meteorites are classified into three broad categories based on their composition: stony, iron, and stony-iron. Stony meteorites, which make up about 94% of recovered meteorites, are primarily composed of silicate minerals. They include chondrites, which contain small spherical particles called chondrules, and achondrites, which lack these structures. Iron meteorites, comprising roughly 5% of finds, consist mainly of nickel-iron alloys and often exhibit a crystalline pattern known as Widmanstätten structures when cut and polished. Stony-iron meteorites, the rarest type, contain a mix of metal and stone, such as the pallasites, which feature olivine crystals embedded in iron-nickel.

The study of meteorites provides valuable insights into the early solar system, as they preserve materials from its formation over 4.5 billion years ago. They offer clues about planetary differentiation, the composition of early protoplanets, and even the potential for extraterrestrial organic compounds. Notable meteorite falls, such as the Chelyabinsk meteor in 2013, have garnered global attention due to their dramatic entry into the atmosphere and resulting damage.

Meteorites are recovered through systematic searches in deserts, Antarctica, and other remote regions where they are more visible against the terrain. Some are also found by chance, while others are identified through radar or infrared surveys. Collecting and analyzing meteorites requires careful handling to avoid contamination, as even trace elements from Earth can alter their composition. Museums, research institutions, and private collectors often house and study these extraterrestrial specimens to expand our understanding of cosmic processes.