Treasure trove
Treasure trove is an old legal idea about valuable finds; in most places it does not cover meteorites.
Treasure trove is a legal concept from English common law, covering valuables such as gold and silver that were deliberately hidden and whose owner is unknown. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland it was replaced by the Treasure Act 1996, which covers certain archaeological objects. Scotland has its own system, in which ownerless objects of many kinds can be claimed by the Crown.
Meteorites are natural objects, not hidden human treasure, so in most of the UK they do not fall under treasure law. Ownership of a meteorite found in England and Wales normally follows ownership of the land. In Scotland, the position can differ, and finders are expected to report significant finds.
The rules vary greatly between countries, and in some places meteorites are declared national heritage. Before hunting anywhere, check the local law and get the landowner's permission. When in doubt, a museum can advise on reporting a find. Laws change, so always check the current rules.
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