Meteoritical Bulletin Explained
Reference Guide
The Meteoritical Bulletin Database is the official scientific registry of all recognized meteorites on Earth. Maintained by the Meteoritical Society, it records the classification, discovery details, and scientific description of every meteorite that has been formally analyzed and approved. For scientists, museums, and collectors, a Bulletin entry is the authoritative confirmation that a specimen is genuine.
What the Database Contains
Each approved entry in the Meteoritical Bulletin includes the meteorite's official name and classification, the location where it was found or observed falling, total known weight across all recovered pieces, mineral composition and petrographic description, and the classifying researcher and institution. Once approved by the Meteoritical Society's Nomenclature Committee, the entry becomes part of the permanent scientific record used by planetary scientists worldwide.
Example Entry
To illustrate what a Bulletin entry looks like in practice, here is an example using NWA 17919, an ordinary chondrite from our inventory.
Every classified meteorite sold by Treasure Coast Meteorite Co. includes a direct link to its Bulletin entry so you can verify independently at any time.
How a Meteorite Gets Added to the Database
An entry confirms that a meteorite of a specific name and classification has been scientifically analyzed and accepted. It does not certify any individual specimen you might purchase. A certificate of authenticity from a reputable dealer connects your specific piece to that record. Both together constitute verified provenance.
NWA Designations and Pairing
NWA stands for Northwest Africa, one of the most productive meteorite recovery regions in the world. Meteorites discovered in the desert regions of Morocco, Algeria, and surrounding areas without a precise documented find site receive NWA designations followed by a sequential number. The number itself has no scientific meaning beyond providing a unique identifier.
Some NWA meteorites are paired, meaning multiple specimens with different NWA numbers are determined through laboratory analysis to come from the same original fall. Pairing affects the total known weight calculation and rarity assessment. The Bulletin records pairing information in the entry notes.
A higher NWA number means a more recent classification, not a more significant specimen. NWA 18211 was simply the 18,211th meteorite assigned an NWA designation in the Bulletin sequence.
Why the Bulletin Matters to Collectors
A Bulletin listing provides the foundation of verified provenance for any classified meteorite. It is the independently verifiable backbone that distinguishes authenticated material from undocumented claims. When a dealer provides a Bulletin link, you can verify the classification, total known weight, pairing notes, and classifier information yourself without relying on the seller's word.
Unclassified material is not in the Bulletin. Some unclassified meteorites are genuine extraterrestrial material from reputable sources, but their scientific identity has not been formally established. Reputable dealers distinguish classified from unclassified material clearly in their listings.
Search the Database
The Meteoritical Bulletin Database is publicly accessible at no cost through the Lunar and Planetary Institute. Search by meteorite name or NWA number to view the full classification record for any approved specimen.
Open Meteoritical Bulletin DatabaseFor a detailed field-by-field walkthrough of a real Bulletin entry, see our guide: How to Read a Meteoritical Bulletin Entry.
Learn More
Browse Classified Specimens
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Meteoritical Bulletin Database free to access?
Yes. The database is publicly accessible at lpi.usra.edu/meteor/metbull.php with no login or membership required. You can search any meteorite by name and view its full classification record independently.
What does it mean if a meteorite is not in the Bulletin?
It means the specimen has not been formally classified through the Meteoritical Society's process. It may still be genuine meteorite material if sourced from a reputable dealer, but its scientific identity has not been independently verified. Reputable sellers clearly state when material is unclassified.
Does a Bulletin entry guarantee the specimen I am buying is authentic?
No. The Bulletin confirms that a meteorite of a specific name and type exists and has been analyzed. A seller can accurately reference a real Bulletin entry while selling you something else entirely. The Bulletin citation plus a specimen-specific certificate of authenticity from a reputable dealer together constitute proper documentation.
What does the NWA number tell me about a meteorite?
Only that it was recovered somewhere in northwest Africa without a precisely documented find site, and the sequential order in which it was classified. The number carries no information about scientific significance, rarity, or value. Classification type and total known weight are what matter.
Does Treasure Coast Meteorite Co. provide Bulletin links with every listing?
Yes. Unless specifically stated as unclassified in the listing title or description, every specimen sold by Treasure Coast Meteorite Co. is Meteoritical Bulletin classified and every listing includes the direct database link. Every purchase ships with a certificate of authenticity. IMCA #3323.
