What is the difference between a slice, an end cut and an individual?
An individual is a whole meteorite; an end cut is the end piece left after slicing, with crust on one side; a slice is a thin section cut from the middle.
Meteorites are often sold and displayed in different forms, each with its own appeal.
Individual. A complete meteorite stone or iron, as it fell, usually covered with fusion crust. Individuals show the natural shape, regmaglypts and flow lines. Fully crusted individuals are prized because they are unaltered. Fragments that broke off during the fall but have crust on most sides are also called individuals by some collectors.
Fragment. A broken piece, often with crust on only some sides. Fragments are common and usually more affordable.
End cut. When a meteorite is sliced, the pieces at each end have a cut face on one side and natural crust on the other. These end pieces are called end cuts or heel pieces. They show both the inside and the outside, which makes them popular.
Slice. A flat piece cut from the middle of a meteorite, with two cut faces and often a crusted edge. Slices can be very thin, a few millimetres, and are often polished on one or both sides. Iron meteorite slices are often etched to reveal Widmanstätten patterns. Pallasite slices may be thin enough for light to shine through the olivine crystals.
Part slice. A piece of a slice, often sold when the full slice is large.
Micromount. A tiny specimen, often mounted in a small box.
Thin section. A slice ground to about 30 micrometres thick and mounted on glass for microscope study.
Each type shows different features. Many collectors aim to have both a crusted piece and a cut piece of their favourite meteorites.