Topherspin Meteorites

In this Knowledge Bolide Online Hangout, the crew comes together for a very special “Show and Story” episode featuring officially classified meteorites that our crew members were personally involved with—as main mass holders, specimen holders, co-classifiers, hunters, cutters, or classification partners.

Nate kicks things off with his brand-new lunar classification, NWA 18622, a beautiful lunar fragmental breccia that took about eight months to become official. Topher then shares several classifications connected to crew members, including Gourara 003, a gorgeous eucrite monomict with outstanding fusion crust, NWA 13579, the "Odd-Numbered Golden Pallasite" with stunning olivines, “The Beast,” an L5 ordinary chondrite shared with Martin Loller, and NWA 14573, a rare Mesosiderite shared with the Monk Man, Chris Monk of Rocks on the Ground.

Professor Pat gives us a look at his first 3.xx ordinary chondrite subtype and explains how cross-polarized light and magnetic susceptibility testing can reveal important details without damaging the meteorite. Marissa shares her first solo classification, NWA 17476, an H3 with beautiful chondrules and shock-darkened features, and also discusses her role in the recovery and classification effort for the newly approved Wadsworth eucrite fall in Ohio.

Dave shows NWA 17935, an L6 ordinary chondrite with striking shock veins, and talks about the crew’s hands-on involvement in the classification process. Mike, our on-staff geologist, shares NWA 13746, a CVoxB3 carbonaceous chondrite made even more meaningful because his daughters helped prepare it and are listed with him in the Meteoritical Bulletin. Chris closes out show-and-tell with NWA 16435, a beautifully crusted polymict eucrite with an unusually light-colored exterior.

The episode wraps with a quick discussion about a possible recent Canadian meteorite fall on a remote island—complete with radar signatures, difficult terrain, and plenty of bears.

This hangout is a reminder that meteorites are more than just rocks from space. Every classification has a story, a process, a team, and a memory behind it.

Thank you to Nate and Dave for supporting Topherspin Meteorites on YouTube.

Thank you to Martin for being a Witnessed Fall Supporter on Patreon.

Thank you to Chris, Professor Pat & Marissa for being Educational Supporters on Patreon.

Thanks to Mike for all of his support as our Knowledge Bolide Crew Meteorite 101 Instructor!

MEET OUR METEORITES☄️The Crew's Personal Meteorite Classifications and the Stories Behind Them In this Knowledge Bolide Online Hangout, the crew comes together fo...

In this Knowledge Bolide Hangout, Topher and Sue presented five rock samples submitted by supporters for meteorite identification review: a 1.8 kg photo/video submission from Epi in Tonopah, Arizona, and four physical White Glove specimens from returning supporter Shawn in Northern California. As always, the Knowledge Bolide Crew considered the following:

Exterior texture

Interior structure/matrix

Attraction to a magnet

Streak Test

Possible fusion crust

Possible chondrules

Orientation features

Coatings

Overall geology

And more.....

Epi’s specimen was submitted as a possible ordinary chondrite, with reported fusion crust, chondrules, visible metal or rust spots, a rollover lip, and possible orientation. After reviewing the photos and videos, the crew determined that the rock did not show any meteoritic features.

Dave noted the lack of visible metal flecks and the very fine-grained interior.

Professor Pat pointed out hard, fine-grained crystalline features with square edges rather than true spherical chondrules, plus far too much matrix for an ordinary chondrite.

Adam identified the dark exterior as classic desert varnish, explaining that the dark surface appeared to be the side exposed to sun and wind for a long time, while the lighter side was likely protected. He also noted that true fusion crust would not appear only on one exposed side and would look more waxy than shiny or glassy.

Art, The Ozerki Turkey, pointed out surface vesicles consistent with volcanic origin.

Antho explained that the rock did not show the clear front-side/back-side differences expected in a truly oriented meteorite.

Topher also noted that the suspected “rollover lip” appeared along the side of the rock where it had been sitting in the ground, not on the true backside of an oriented stone.

The final conclusion was that Epi’s rock is terrestrial, most likely an igneous rock with desert varnish, volcanic texture, caliche-like white areas, and terrestrial iron staining.
The remaining four specimens were Shawn’s physical White Glove rocks, which Topher handled directly during the session.

The first, a 3.4 kg rock, had the look of a river cobble, with impact marks from being tumbled against other rocks. The broken face showed conchoidal fracture, and the interior was not consistent with chondrules.

The second, a 7.5 g non-magnetic rock, had an unusual black coating, but the crew agreed it was not fusion crust. Mike suggested manganese oxide or manganese veining on a fine-grained sedimentary rock, possibly siltstone. Topher’s scratch test supported that explanation when the coating scratched off easily and left strong black marks.

The third, weighing 11.3 g, had only a very faint magnetic draw, no visible metal, and no clear chondrules. Professor Pat explained that the brown interior was likely terrestrial iron staining in a crack. Art suggested it could possibly be a sedimentary concretion.

The fourth rock had a shape that could tempt someone to think “oriented meteorite,” but the crew confirmed there was no fusion crust, which means there could be no true flow lines or rollover lip. Professor Pat explained that rollover lips and flow lines only exist in fusion crust, and Mike pointed out sedimentary bedding planes. Dr. Chris also noted a waxy luster across the group, something more consistent with terrestrial rocks such as serpentines or jades than meteorites.

In the end, all five rocks were determined to be terrestrial.
The session was a great reminder that meteorite identification requires looking at the entire rock, NOT JUST ONE OR TWO suspicious or exciting features. Desert varnish, river-worn surfaces, manganese coatings, waxy luster, bedding planes, volcanic vesicles, iron staining, and unusual shapes can all trick the eye.

The crew emphasized handling real meteorites whenever possible, especially ordinary chondrites, so new hunters can learn what true fusion crust, metal, chondrules, and interior textures look and feel like.

IS IT FROM SPACE? 👽 Meteorite or MeteorWRONG? ☄️ 5 Rock IDs - June 2026 In this Knowledge Bolide Hangout, Topher and Sue presented five roc...

🌠 THE MAN. THE MYTH. THE LEGEND. CRAIG ZLIMEN. 🌠

If you've been collecting meteorites for any length of time, there's a good chance you've admired Craig Zlimen's work... whether you knew it or not.

Craig of Minnesota Meteorites is widely regarded as one of the finest meteorite cutters, polishers, restorers, stabilizers, etchers, and finishers in the world. Countless collectors have trusted him with some of their most prized specimens, and many of the beautiful slices, end cuts, and restored irons you've seen over the years have likely passed through his hands.

But Craig isn't just a master craftsman—he's also one of the most generous educators in our hobby.

This playlist brings together our interviews and educational videos featuring Craig, including his incredible three-part Iron Meteorite Care & Restoration Series. In these videos, Craig shares knowledge that took decades to acquire, covering everything from rust prevention and stabilization to electrolysis, etching, finishing, storage, and long-term care.

If you've ever owned an iron meteorite...
If you've ever worried about rust...
If you've ever wondered how the professionals do it...
Or if you simply enjoy learning from the best...

This playlist is for you.

We are incredibly grateful that Craig chose to share so many of his hard-earned techniques, trade secrets, and experiences with the Knowledge Bolide community. His contributions have helped countless collectors become better stewards of the meteorites in their care.

Grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and enjoy some time with one of the true legends of the meteorite world.

Thank you, Craig. We appreciate everything you do for this community.

The Man, The Myth, The Legend - Craig Zlimen! The Man. The Myth. The Legend. Craig Zlimen. Few people have left a bigger mark on the meteorite community than Craig Zlimen of Minnesota Meteorites. Known t...

Happy Father's Day to all of the dads, grandfathers, stepfathers, father figures, and mentors in our meteorite community!

Whether you're spending the day with family, hunting meteorites, sharing your collection, or simply relaxing, we hope you have a wonderful day filled with appreciation, laughter, and a few space rocks along the way.

From Topher, Sue, Lil' Butters, Toasty and the Knowledge Bolide Crew — Happy Father's Day! ☄️💙

Knowledge Bolide Crew Hangout Highlights: Carbonaceous Chondrites, Thin Sections, Space History & Stupidly Beautiful Tattoos ☄️🐾

This week's Knowledge Bolide Hangout covered everything from rare carbonaceous chondrites and microscopic meteorite structures to Apollo-era lunar sample catalogs, spaceflight history, meteorite outreach, Moldavite, and even Topher's newest tattoo.

Professor Pat kicked things off by unveiling the first full slice produced after getting his wire saw back in action. The specimen, an unclassified meteorite believed to be a CK carbonaceous chondrite, sparked a lively discussion about chondrules, matrix-rich textures, CAIs, and the fascinating processes that shaped some of the Solar System's oldest materials. The crew explored how carbonaceous chondrites formed beyond Jupiter while somehow incorporating some of the earliest solids created near the Sun.

Topher followed with a closer look at a beautiful diogenite specimen, highlighting its fusion crust, unusual inclusions, and complex internal structure that became much easier to appreciate with improved camera zoom capabilities.

Dave then treated the crew to an impressive tour through polarized-light thin section images of Aba Panu (L3.6). Using an affordable digital microscope setup, he showcased stunning barred olivine chondrules, porphyritic olivine textures, pyroxene structures, armored chondrules, and evidence of early Solar System dust accretion. The discussion became an impromptu masterclass on chondrule formation and meteorite petrology.

Dr. Chris shared a fascinating look at ZLI 167, an unclassified meteorite belonging to the proposed "G Chondrite" working group. The specimen's unusually high metal content, shock-darkened silicates, metallic veins, and complex structure led to an engaging discussion about meteorite classification and the possibility of an entirely new chondrite group. Ain't nuthin but a G thang, baby!

Antho reported back from the Ventura Rock & Gem Show, where he assisted veteran meteorite dealer Michael Santos. He shared stories of introducing newcomers to meteorites, helping answer questions from the public, and displaying an eye-catching Imilac pallasite that amazed visitors. Anthony also showed off several new additions to his collection, including a dramatically deformed iron meteorite displaying an unusual impact-distorted Widmanstätten pattern and a beautifully shaped Gibeon specimen.

Bruiser took the crew beyond meteorites and into the world of human spaceflight with highlights from the National Space Society's International Space Development Conference. He shared rare Apollo 15 lunar sample catalogs, signed astronaut memorabilia, fascinating shuttle mission stories, and even discussed a potential future interview with planetary scientist Dr. Pascal Lee, whose work includes Antarctic meteorite recovery and Mars analog research.

Topher later showcased several remarkable pieces of Moldavite, explaining how authentic specimens reveal complex internal structures that extend throughout the glass rather than existing only on the surface. The crew explored natural etching patterns, bubble structures, and the processes that give Moldavite its unique appearance.

To close out the evening, Topher unveiled his newest tattoo: a tribute to Lil' Toasty the cat and Lil' Butters the world's most amazing dog. Featuring a piece of toast, a heart-shaped pat of melting butter, a paw print, and a claw mark, the tattoo was described in classic Topher fashion as "stupidly beautiful" and quickly became one of the night's most memorable show-and-tell moments.

As always, the hangout blended meteorite science, collecting, education, friendship, and just enough chaos to keep things interesting. Whether discussing Solar System formation, meteorite classification, lunar exploration, or pet-inspired artwork, the Knowledge Bolide Crew proved once again that you never quite know where the conversation will go next.

Meteorite & Moldavite Show & Tell ☄️CK, Thin section, Diogenite with Fusion Crust, Kaalijarv Knowledge Bolide Crew Hangout Highlights: Carbonaceous Chondrites, ...