The phrase “Vermillion meteorite” does not correspond to a widely recognized or documented meteorite in the scientific literature, major meteoritical databases, or reputable encyclopedic sources. No entry for a meteorite bearing this exact name appears in the Meteoritical Bulletin Database, nor is it referenced in standard works on meteoritics, planetary science, or geological records.
Potential Interpretation
The term may be a descriptive combination of the color “vermilion,” a vivid red‑orange hue, with “meteorite,” referring generally to a meteorite that exhibits a vermilion coloration, perhaps due to oxidation of iron-bearing minerals on its surface. Alternatively, it could be a colloquial or regional designation for a meteorite that fell near a locality named Vermillion (e.g., Vermillion, South Dakota; Vermilion, Alberta; or other places with similar names). In such cases, the meteorite would typically be cataloged under the place name rather than the color descriptor.
Etymology
- Vermillion derives from the Old French vermeillon, ultimately from Latin vermiculus (“little worm”), referencing the kermes insect used historically to produce the red pigment.
- Meteorite comes from the Greek meteōros (“high in the air”) and the suffix -ite, denoting a mineral or rock.
Conclusion
Because there is no verifiable, independently sourced information establishing “Vermillion meteorite” as an official or notable meteoritic specimen, the term is not recognized as an established concept within the field of meteoritics. Any usage of the phrase is likely informal, descriptive, or tied to a specific local context that lacks broader documentation.
