Yes, you can! Meteorites are completely legal to own and collect in most countries, including the United States. They’re natural space rocks that survived the journey through Earth’s atmosphere, and people have been collecting them for centuries. Owning one is like holding a piece of outer space in your hands — no telescope required!

Not necessarily! While some rare meteorites can be pricey, many common types — like ordinary chondrites — are very affordable. We offer some meteorites starting for less than the cost of a nice dinner. It all depends on the type, size, and where it was found. There’s something for nearly every budget.

Authentic meteorites are usually verified by experts through visual inspection, magnetic testing, and sometimes even lab analysis. Meteorites have unique characteristics that differentiate them from terrestrial rocks. When you buy from a reputable seller you’ll receive a certificate of authenticity identifying the meteorite type and provenance details about where the meteorite was found. I only sell authentic meteorites and provide a complete money-back guarantee of authenticity.

Buying your first meteorite is exciting! Here are a few quick tips:

• Start simple: Common types like chondrites are great for beginners — they’re affordable and interesting.
• Set a budget: Meteorites can be acquired for less than the price of a nice meal or more than the price of a new car. Determining what you want to spend can help you figured out what type of meteorite you should purchase.
• Buy from a trusted source: Look for sellers who provide information about the meteorite’s type and find location, are recognized by a meteorite association like IMCA, and provide serialized certificates of authenticity.
• Ask questions: A good seller will be happy to explain what you’re buying and help you pick something that fits your interests and budget.
  

Remember, every meteorite has a story, and your first one is the start of your own space collection!

Meteorites come in three main types, based on what they’re made of:

• Stony meteorites – These are the most common and come from the outer layers of asteroids, moons, or planets. They often contain tiny round structures called chondrules (especially in chondrites).
• Iron meteorites – Made mostly of iron and nickel, these are heavy and metallic. They likely come from the cores of ancient, broken-up asteroids or proto-planets.
• Stony-iron meteorites – A rare mix of rock and metal, these are beautiful and often used in jewelry or displays.

Each type tells a different part of the story of our solar system — and they’re all fascinating in their own way!

Meteorites start out as bits of rock or metal in space — usually from asteroids, and sometimes even from the Moon or Mars. Occasionally, a collision knocks one loose and sends it on a new path as a meteoroid. If it enters Earth’s atmosphere, it becomes a meteor, and if it survives the fiery trip and lands on the ground, it becomes a meteorite.

So when you hold a meteorite, you’re holding something that’s traveled millions of miles through space to reach you!

Meteorites can land anywhere on Earth, but they’re easier to find in certain places. Deserts (like in Africa or the southwestern U.S.) and icy regions (like Antarctica) are great for hunting because dark meteorites stand out against light-colored ground.

That said, most meteorites land in oceans or forests where they’re hard to spot — so finding one is like discovering a hidden treasure from space!

People find meteorites in a few different ways:

• Hunting on foot: Some search deserts, dry lake beds, or open plains where dark meteorites are easier to spot on light ground.
• Using magnets or metal detectors: Many meteorites contain metal, so tools can help locate them just beneath the surface. Be wary, lots of terrestrial rocks are magnetic, too.
• Tracking fireballs: When a bright meteor is seen falling, scientists and collectors may estimate where it landed and search that area.

It takes patience and a bit of luck to find a meteorite!