How do I catalogue a meteorite collection?
Give each specimen a number, and record its name, classification, mass, fall or find date, location, source, price, date acquired and photographs.
A catalogue turns a group of rocks into a proper collection, preserving each specimen's story and value.
Numbering. Give each specimen a unique catalogue number. Write it on the label and, if appropriate, on a tiny paper tag or on the box. Avoid writing directly on meteorites, especially on crust or cut faces.
Information to record. - Official name, as listed by the Meteoritical Society. - Classification, such as L6, CV3 or IIIAB iron. - Fall or find, with the date and location. - Mass of your specimen, and the total known mass if available. - Type of specimen: individual, fragment, slice, end cut, crusted or uncrusted. - Source: who you obtained it from, when, and for how much. - Provenance: previous owners, labels or certificates. - Condition: any rust, cracks or treatments, such as coating. - Photographs, with file references. - Storage location.
Format. Many collectors use a spreadsheet or database, backed up regularly. Some also keep a paper notebook. Scanning old labels and receipts preserves them.
Old labels. Keep any original labels, even if they are worn. Labels from famous dealers, collectors or museums can add to a specimen's history.
Benefits. A catalogue helps you learn, avoids confusion between similar specimens, supports insurance, makes trading easier and ensures the collection keeps its value and scientific usefulness if it is later donated, inherited or sold.
Update the catalogue whenever specimens are added, moved, traded or sold.