Why do some meteorites have numbers instead of names?
In places where many meteorites are found, such as deserts and Antarctica, they are named after the region plus a number, such as NWA 7034 or ALH 84001.
Most meteorites are named after a nearby place, such as a town, village or geographical feature. That works well when meteorites are found one at a time. But in areas where hundreds or thousands are found, there are not enough place names. So a numbering system is used.
Dense collection areas. The Meteoritical Society defines dense collection areas in deserts and other regions. Meteorites found there are named after the area plus a number. For example, Dhofar 019 from Oman, Dar al Gani 476 from Libya and Sayh al Uhaymir 169 from Oman.
Northwest Africa. Many meteorites are sold from the Sahara without precise find locations. These are named Northwest Africa, abbreviated NWA, followed by a number, such as NWA 7034, the famous Martian breccia nicknamed Black Beauty. Similar names exist for Northeast Africa.
Antarctica. Antarctic meteorites are named after the icefield, plus the season year and a sample number. ALH 84001 means the first sample catalogued from the Allan Hills in the 1984 to 1985 season. Japanese finds use names such as Yamato, followed by a number.
Why it matters. The system ensures every meteorite has a unique, traceable name. It tells scientists roughly where it was found. For collectors, an official name confirms that the meteorite has been classified and recorded.
Nicknames. Some meteorites gain popular nicknames, but only the official name should be used in scientific and sales records.