Astrolithology

/ˌæstroʊlɪˈθɑlədʒi/ noun

Definition

The scientific study of stones, meteorites, and minerals derived from or associated with celestial bodies and space.

Etymology

From 'astro-' (star/space) + 'litho-' (stone) + '-logy' (study of). This specialized term emerged in geology and astronomy as meteorite science developed in the 19th century.

Kelly Says

Astrolithology is basically meteorite science—studying actual pieces of space rock to understand what stars, planets, and the early solar system were made of, making it one of the most literally cosmic scientific fields!

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