How do I know if a meteorite for sale is real?
Buy from established, reputable sellers, insist on the meteorite's official name and classification, check that the name appears in the Meteoritical Society's catalogue, and be wary of bargains that seem too good to be true.
Most meteorites on the market are genuine, but fakes and wrongly labelled stones do circulate, especially online. Slag, iron ore, painted rocks and even manufactured metal have all been sold as meteorites, and rare types such as lunar and Martian meteorites attract the most imitations. A little knowledge goes a long way.
Start with the name. Every properly classified meteorite has an official name approved by the Meteoritical Society, such as Campo del Cielo, Sikhote-Alin or NWA followed by a number. The society keeps a public catalogue listing each name with its classification, location and mass. A trustworthy seller will tell you the exact name; if they cannot, or the classification they claim does not match the catalogue, be cautious. Remember that a real name can be attached to a fake rock, so the name is a check, not a guarantee.
Next, consider the seller. Established dealers and museum shops have reputations to protect, give clear descriptions and photographs, and usually offer returns. Some belong to professional associations with codes of ethics. Be wary of sellers with no track record, vague descriptions such as "space rock", or prices far below what others ask for the same meteorite.
Look at the specimen too. Real meteorites usually show features that match their type: fusion crust, metal flecks or chondrules in stony meteorites, or a Widmanstätten pattern on etched irons. Holes, bubbles or a glassy look are warning signs. Magnetism and weight help but prove little. Finally, think about legality. Some countries restrict the collection or export of meteorites, and meteorites from Antarctica are collected for scientific research rather than for sale. A good seller should be able to explain where a specimen came from.