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What Can I Do With My Meteorite?
DanCracker asks: "I've just inherited a 34 lb metorite from my grandfather. As a child, I was alwasy fascinated by it, but never developed my intrest. As much as this means to me, I've got little need nor room for such a thing. What is the next course of action I should take? Contact labs or universities? Post it on eBay? Help!"
Biatch!~
You've go one hell of a big paper weight.
As much as this means to me, I've got little need nor room for such a thing.
At the risk of looking like a sentimental wimp, I suggest that you reconsider your decision to part with it. It is, and will always be, a reminder of your grandfather. Now, if you never liked the old guy, you should dump it. But if you would like a permanent reminder of him, this meteroite is a unique tribute. Although you may not have any particular "need" for it now, you may regret your decision to part with this unusual family heirloom 10, 20, 30+ years down the line. And every time someone comes to your house and sees it, they will ask you about it. That will give you the opportunity to pause and remember your grandfather, if only for a second.
It's your choice but I encourage you to try to think beyond your immediate needs and consider the long-term effects of your decision. Once it's gone, it's gone for good.
GMD
watch this
To expand a little...
d
1) Research it. When did your Grandfather get it? Are there local news clippings of the strike? Where was it found? Try to get the provenance a la Antiques Roadshow.
2)Get it appraised - and NOT on "Ask Slashdot"! Do some research and get a real appraiser to look at it. Try the net for general info - Google coughed up
http://www.lunar-meteorite.com/frontnew.htm
an
http://www.mhmeteorites.com/
(forewarned - paid links, but look relevant).
Call the local university or astronomy club or observatory for references.
3) Safeguard it while you do your research. Suggest getting a large safe deposit box at your local bank. Now that you've broadcast that you have it to the world, best keep it safe.
After you've determined its monetary value, you can weigh it against its sentimental value and decide. Researching its history might increase it's sentimental value, and make it into something you don't want to part with.
"As God is my witness, I thought turkeys could fly." A. Carlson
In general good advice, but you need to indicate why it's worth the bother. These things can be quite valuable, ranging from $10/g up to more or less priceless if you have one with something like organic matter embedded in it (not bits shot off Darth Vader's TIE fighter, but things like seashells if it impacted on sand). You can do one of three things with it:
1. Keep it to remember your Grandfather. Probably the best option (I wouldn't sell an heirloom).
2. Donate it to a local museum. They'll appreciate the gift, and it'll be enjoyed by many others over the years. You can still remember you Grandfather if it's in a museum, take the kids in and tell them "That's Granddad's meteorite" (and show them the rest of the place while they're there).
3. If you really must, sell it. Don't do it on ebay, there are other places (e.g. newsgroups) where collectors gather where you can get a decent price (and more advice as well).
I don't have a great feel for what the size of the thing is, but how about having it crafted into an urn for your Grandfather? Or carved into a small bust? Or have one side cut/polished and have an image of him carved in relief?
-Peter
If you have a local natural history museum, consider leaving it with them. You can probably set something up so that you still own it, but they get to display it and hold on to it for you.