What should I do with a meteorite I have inherited?
Keep it safe and dry with any labels, find out what it is, and decide whether to keep, donate or sell it, seeking advice from a museum or reputable expert.
Inheriting a meteorite, or a whole collection, is exciting but can raise questions.
Protect it first. Keep specimens dry and stable, especially iron meteorites, which can rust. Do not clean, cut or polish them. Keep all labels, boxes, notes and paperwork together, even if they seem unimportant: they may be the only record of the specimen's identity and history.
Identify it. Look for a name on labels, such as a place name, a catalogue number or an abbreviation like NWA followed by a number. Check whether the name appears in the official list of meteorites maintained by the Meteoritical Society. Photograph the specimens with labels and a scale. A museum, university or reputable dealer can help identify unlabelled pieces, though genuine meteorites without records are harder to verify.
Consider its significance. Some old collections contain historically important specimens, rare types or pieces of famous falls. Old labels from well-known collectors or museums can add interest. If you suspect a specimen is significant, contact a natural history museum.
Options. - Keep it, store it properly and enjoy it. - Donate it to a museum, which may preserve it for science and public display. Museums usually want to know its provenance. - Sell it through a reputable dealer or auction house. Get more than one opinion and avoid quick offers from unknown buyers.
Legal considerations. If the meteorite was originally obtained illegally, for example exported without permission from a protected country, selling it may raise issues. Seek advice if in doubt.