The Oklahoma Geological Survey (OGS) is responsible for gathering and disseminating information about Oklahoma's unique geology to all. We work with Oklahoma's citizens, scientists, policy makers, teachers, and students on a daily basis, by helping them get needed information.
Finding a meteorite is not very common, but they can be found just about anywhere. Meteorites are rocks from space that have traveled through Earth's atmosphere and landed on the surface of our planet. They are so rare because when rocks travel through the Earth's atmosphere at very high speeds, they burn up and if anything remains, it is typically fairly small in size.
However, while rare, meteorites are occassionally found on the surface of Earth. Many land in the ocean, but some end up on land. There are a few signs to look for:
- Is the rock magnetic?
- Does the surface look dark, smooth and glassy on the outside?
- Is there a fusion crust that is darker than the inside of the rock?
- Does the outer surface have tiny cracks?
- When you rub the rock on a ceramic plate, does it leave a streak of color?
Meteorites are typically magnetic, have a smooth outer surface, and leave no streak behind. If you do see a streak, you most likely have a mineral on your hands. The minerals most commonly mistaken for meteorites include hematite (which leaves a red-brown streak) and magnetite (which leaves a dark grey streak). Both of these minerals are how many people believe a meteorite might look.
Feel free to send us photos and descriptions of anything you believe may be a meteorite: yunker@ou.edu
If you'd like to have your possible meteorite analyzed using the Electron Microprobe Laboratory at the Oklahoma Geological Survey, please contact us at yunker@ou.edu and we'll explain the process.
We have different types of geologists who can come talk with your group, whether that's for a club, classroom, school-wide assembly, or other types of community programs. Please contact Dr. Molly Yunker, OGS's Education & Outreach Coordinator to explain what type of presentation you're looking for.
For questions regarding permissions for OGS publications, please contact the main office at 405-325-1211 or ogs@ou.edu.
If you've felt an earthquake, you can report it both to USGS as well as to OGS.
To report an earthquake to USGS, please click here.
To report an earthquake to OGS, please click here. You will fill out a brief form and submit it to our seismic technicians. Thank you.
If you need to access core from a well in Oklahoma, well logs, production reports, or other information and data, please visit the OPIC webpage.
For general inquiries, please contact the OGS main office at ogs@ou.edu or call 405-325-1211.
