FAQ - Sample Identification

Does the CMS analyze or identify potential meteorites for the general public?  No. Due to a substantial rise in demand as well as budget constraints and staff limitations, the Center's public Meteorite Identification Program was suspended in 2010.  Specimens sent to the Identification Program are longer accepted.

Can I bring my sample to the CMS in person? No. Please do not bring your sample to the Center in person. We do not have a public office at which you can leave your sample and no member of our small staff is devoted to specimen identification.

How can I get my sample identified? We encourage you to contact your State Geological Survey, the Geology department of a local university or college, or your local museum of natural history for help identifying your specimen.  In addition, the Astronomy Department at the University of North Texas has a Meteorite Identification program, as does The Field Museum's Robert A. Pritzker Center for Meteoritics and Polar Studies in Chicago.

Does the CMS analyze or identify fossils, terrestrial rocks, gemstones, environmental quality samples, etc.? No. We encourage you to contact your State Geological Survey, the Geology department of a local university or college, or your local museum of natural history for help identifying your specimen.

I purchased OR I'm thinking about purchasing a meteorite.  How do I know if it's real?  Will the CMS verify/certify/identify/analyze it for me? No. The CMS has never accepted purchased meteorites of any kind for verification/certification/identification/analysis from the general public.  As with any other goods, potential purchasers of meteorites should follow the rule of "buyer beware".

Will the CMS buy my unverified meteorite?  Will the CMS tell me how/where to sell my meteorite? No.  The CMS does not purchase unverified meteorites from the general public, and does not offer advice on selling meteorites.