How should I display meteorites at home?
Use closed display cases or boxes away from moisture and direct sunlight, include desiccant for irons, use stable stands, and keep labels with each specimen.
Displaying meteorites lets you enjoy them every day, but it must be done in a way that protects them.
Control humidity. Iron meteorites and iron-rich stones rust in damp air, and some carbonaceous meteorites are damaged by moisture. Display them in closed cases or boxes with silica gel or another desiccant, which absorbs moisture. Replace or recharge desiccant regularly; indicating silica gel changes colour when it needs drying. Aim for relative humidity below about 40 per cent, lower for irons with a history of rusting. Avoid kitchens, bathrooms and damp outside walls.
Avoid heat and sunlight. Strong sunlight and heat sources, such as radiators, cause temperature swings that encourage condensation. Some specimens' labels and boxes also fade in light.
Stable mounting. Use small stands, acrylic risers or padded trays to stop specimens rolling or tipping. Thin slices are fragile and are best kept in acrylic boxes or stands made for them. Never glue specimens permanently.
Handling. Handle specimens with clean, dry hands or cotton or nitrile gloves, especially irons and polished slices, because skin oils encourage rust.
Labels. Keep a label with each specimen, giving name, type, mass and provenance, and keep a separate catalogue.
Security. Valuable specimens should be kept away from easy access by visitors and young children, and insured if significant.
Check regularly. Inspect specimens every few months for signs of rust, such as orange spots or weeping droplets on irons, and seek advice if they appear.