So you think you’ve found a meteorite? I get asked about this pretty often. Unfortunately, the vast majority of suspected meteorites turn out to be “meteorwrongs” (the fact that we have a name for this should tell you something).

There are already several good resources online regarding meteorite identification, so I’ve decided not to make a lengthy page of my own.  Instead, I will make a few brief points and then refer you to the appropriate pages.

Step 1: Some things to consider:

• Over 99% of suspected meteorites turn out to be of Earthly origin.  These objects often turn out to be unusual rocks (typically volcanic), debris from aircraft, or industrial waste (slag).
• Although appearance is important, the true test happens in the laboratory by a skilled expert.
• Be prepared to wait a long time for your sample to be tested.  Most meteorite labs receive hundreds of samples per year.  This testing is typically free, so be courteous!
• If you have found a meteorite, it isn’t valuable until you get it tested and subsequently approved/named by the Meteoritical Society (see links below for more information).  There is no way around this.

Step 2: Get educated about what meteorites are:

• Meteorite Identification at Cascadia Meteorite Laboratory
• Meteorite Identification at the Meteorite Market
• Meteorite Realities at Washington University in St. Louis

Step 3: Get education about what meteorites aren’t:

• Meteorwrongs at Cascadia Meteorite Laboratory
• Meteorwrongs at Washington University in St. Louis
• Meteorwrongs at Midwest Meteorites

Step 4: Places to send your sample for testing:

• IMCA List of Classifying Institutions