An Introduction to the Study of Meteorites

Step inside the Natural History Museum’s mineral department and let this guide lead you through a remarkable assembly of space‑born rocks. The book maps the gallery’s layout, pointing out the massive three‑and‑a‑half‑ton iron mass from Cranbourne and the neatly arranged cases of smaller specimens. It explains the three main classes—siderites, siderolites and aerolites—showing how each is displayed and how to locate any stone using the index.

Beyond the exhibit, the narrative traces the early days when meteorites were dismissed as curiosities and how a handful of stones, gifted by pioneers like Sir Joseph Banks, sparked a scientific awakening. You’ll meet the enthusiastic keepers who championed the collection, learning how parliamentary support and dedicated curators turned a modest handful into a world‑class repository.

Listeners will come away with a clear sense of how meteorites are categorized, why their histories matter, and how this historic collection continues to inspire the study of the heavens from a London gallery.