Meteorite testing & identification
Is it a meteorite? Get your specimen tested.
Send your specimen to Measured Matter for testing. You’ll receive a Findings Report showing you the evidence of whether it’s a meteorite.
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Testing Includes:
- Elemental analysis(XRF), chemical, magnetic, microscopy, density, and weight tests.
- A Certificate of Meteorite Authenticity (for confirmed meteorites)
- Non-destructive testing. Your specimen is safe.
- Testing results in 7 business days
- Return shipping included
Be Certain with our Meteorite Testing
You’ll know exactly what you have.
Our testing follows the same meteorite science established by NASA, The Meteoritical Society, and the scientific meteoritics community.
Customer Specimens
Bill Chapman
Sent in a meteorite I’d had for years. The report was clear, detailed, and actually explained why it was a meteorite! Fast turnaround too.
John Cutler
I was skeptical about mailing in a specimen for testing, but this was legit. Good communication, professional report. Exactly what I wanted.
Shin Chen
Good service
Kevin Hunold
I honestly had no idea what I had, and the testing answered it pretty definitively. Loved seeing the microscope pictures and actual measurements instead of just getting a yes/no.
How it works
How Physical Testing Works
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1. Order online
Purchase the test. We email packing and shipping instructions.
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2. Mail your specimen
Use your own packaging and arrange tracked shipping, or add our $20 Shipping Kit for a box, packing material, and prepaid label.
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3. We examine it
Your specimen undergoes a battery of non-destructive testing including XRF elemental analysis.
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4. Receive your results
Your report arrives by email. Your specimen returns with tracking.
Normal turnaround: seven business days after delivery. Advanced analysis may take longer.
Sample Findings Report
Specimen details, measurements, test results, and an explanation of the findings—all in the Findings Report.
Tap to enlarge the report
Your principal analyst
Justin Black, PhD
Justin Black is the Principal Analyst for Measured Matter. He holds a PhD in Astronomy and MS in Physics. His scientific training provides the foundation for evaluating specimens, interpreting data, and drawing scientific conclusions based on the evidence. Justin personally signs every Findings Report.
Before you order
Frequently Asked Questions
What testing is included with Physical Testing?
We directly examine your specimen using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) elemental analysis, density measurement, magnetic susceptibility using our advanced non-destructive magnetic inductance test, microscopy, and physical examination. We also record its weight and dimensions.
Can I send multiple specimens for Physical Testing?
Yes. Physical Testing is $49 for the first specimen and $30 for each additional specimen. Select the number of specimens when ordering, then ship them together in one package. Wrap each specimen separately and label them “Specimen 1,” “Specimen 2,” and so on.
What exactly am I getting?
A signed seven-page Findings Report containing your specimen’s measurements, test results (XRF included), evidence photos, and an explanation of our findings. If your specimen is confirmed as a meteorite, you’ll receive a Certificate of Meteorite Authenticity. Your original specimen is returned after testing, with tracked return shipping included.
Who’s actually doing the testing?
Justin Black, PhD, serves as our Principal Analyst and personally reviews each specimen and Findings Report. He holds a PhD in Astronomy and MS in Physics.
Will Physical Testing damage my specimen?
No! No destructive testing is performed during the examination. Testing is performed only on accessible surfaces.
Will I get my specimen back after Physical Testing?
Yes. Meteorite or not, your specimen is returned after testing. The return shipping back to you is included.
Can you send me a box and shipping label?
Yes! Choose the optional $20 Shipping Kit at checkout. We mail you a box, protective packing material, packing instructions, and a prepaid shipping label. The price includes delivery of the kit to your US address and shipping your specimen to us. Once it arrives, pack your specimen, attach the label, and drop it off with the carrier shown on the label. No printer needed. Standard specimen limits apply; we will confirm packing requirements before sending the kit.
You can also use your own packaging and arrange shipping to us. Tracked return shipping after testing is included either way.
How long will it take?
Normal turnaround is seven business days after your specimen arrives. Advanced analysis may take longer. Your Findings Report arrives by email, and your specimen returns with tracking.
Will you explain why, or just tell me yes or no?
Your report explains in-depth the evidence behind the findings—not just the conclusion. The report also includes explanations of each test performed.
Can I see what the report looks like before I order?
Yes. You can view a sample Findings Report before purchasing.