New England Meteoritical Services

Meteorite Identification

New England Meteoritical Services offers a meteorite identification and authentication service to anyone who would like to know if they have found a meteorite**.

Up to 3 samples may be sent at one time to our lab for testing. The only cost is for handling and shipping. The total cost is based upon how fast you need the data from your specimen(s).

How to send a sample:

There is no need to submit the entire sample unless it is very small. All that is needed is a small, fingernail - sized piece. Simply break or chip off a piece from any area of your sample. Do not worry about affecting the value (if real). It is routine to take an "authentication slice" from suspected meteorites. Without this process there is no way to be absolutely sure of what you have. The petrology and chemistry of the submitted sample with then be examined.

Please mark them "SAMPLE A, B,C," etc., securely package them (no paper envelopes please as they usually tear when machine-processed by the USPS) and include the handling and shipping charge - check, money order, or credit card is acceptable. Testing usually takes 10 to 14 days for regular service with the sample(s) being returned by US Mail.

If the sample(s) are meteoritical we will notify you by mail when your sample is returned.

Shipping and Handling Costs:

Regular Service - $ 15.00, testing within 10 to 14 days, sample(s) returned by US Mail with your report.

Three Day - $ 30.00, your sample(s) will be tested within three days of receipt and returned by US Mail with your report.

Express Service - $ 45.00, sample(s) will be tested the day that they are received and you will be notified of the results via email the same day. A report will also be returned with your submitted sample(s). Additionally, if your sample is not a real meteorite, we will send you an authentic, lab-prepared meteorite sample to help you to better understand the visual characteristics of meteorites.

Important: Please mark on the outside of your package: "Regular", "Three-Day", or "Express". For security reasons all samples must be sent via the US Postal System. We do not have any over-ther-counter services to accomodate hand-delivery and cannot accept UPS or FedEx deliveries.

Send the sample(s), with payment for your choice of service options, for analysis to:

Lab Services
New England Meteoritical Services
P.O. Box 440
Mendon, MA 01756 USA

** Authentication services exclude specimens found in North West Africa.

Please contact us if further information is needed : lab@meteorlab.com

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New England Meteoritical Services
P.O. Box 440
Mendon, MA USA 01756

Voice: 508-478-4020Fax: 508-478-4025

E-mail: lab@meteorlab.com