Does cutting a meteorite affect its value?
It can raise or lower it. Cutting reveals the interior and lets a meteorite be classified and shared as slices, but it destroys a complete specimen's shape and crust and loses material as sawdust, so many prefer unique stones left whole.
Cutting is one of the big decisions in the life of a meteorite, and there is no single right answer. It helps to think about what is gained and what is lost.
On the plus side, cutting reveals what is inside. Many meteorites look like dull brown or black stones from the outside, but a polished cut face can show bright metal flecks, chondrules, colourful inclusions, or the glittering Widmanstätten pattern of an etched iron. Slices and end pieces, the cut-off ends with crust on one side, let many collectors and researchers each own a piece of the same meteorite. A small cut face also lets a scientist confirm and classify a stone, which usually makes it far easier to sell.
On the other side, cutting is permanent. A complete individual, a whole stone with fusion crust all round, is unique, and features such as an oriented cone shape, crisp regmaglypts or flow lines can only be enjoyed on the uncut specimen. Sawing removes material as dust along every cut, and poor cutting can crack fragile stones, spread rust, or contaminate the interior with lubricants and water. That is why outstanding individuals and fresh falls are often left whole or cut only minimally by experienced specialists.
Value therefore depends on the specimen. A common, weathered stone may become more attractive once cut into slices. A beautiful complete individual, or a rare type, is usually better left alone. If you think cutting is worthwhile, take advice from a museum or an experienced professional before anything is done. Cutting requires proper equipment, dust control and eye protection, and it is never a job for children.