SUSPECT* METEORITE AUCTIONS

* Anyone can make a claim that they have found or own an authentic meteorite. It is entirely another matter to offer satisfactory proof of verification or classification from a Meteoritical Society approved institution. In the opinion of this author, the photos of auction items below lack either proper verification, credible history or photo, or reasonable supposition to qualify as meteorites. This does not mean that they are not meteorites, only 'suspect' in the opinion of this author.


Lesson #1 : Meteorites do not have 'holes' (no internal cavities). A meteorite may have surface pits from ablation (#30) or weathering (#32). Double click for larger photo
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Caveat Emptor!:
(1) eBay has been flooded with suspect* meteorites from the following Chinese Mineral Dealers (Singapore, Beijing, Shanghai, etc.), listed in the four groups below. This is a serious problem for unsuspecting collectors. These shady dealers are consistent in that (a) their stones are suspect*, (b) bidders identities are concealed (so they can't be warned). But, you can help warn your friends about purchasing from these shameless Chinese Mineral Dealers ! Why all the fakes? Perhaps these auctions are continuing indications that China has been aggressively enforcing its meteorite ban the past few years??


(2) Contrary to what you see advertised on eBay, Tektites (terrestrial glass resulting from meteorite impact), Moldavites, Fulgurites ARE NOT Meteorites (natural objects of extraterrestrial origin (meteoroid) that survive passage through the atmosphere and hit the ground) NOR are they lunar material. Moldavite is one of the more faked items on eBay. It has always been green, but the rich Bottle green moldavite is newly offered and is reportedly manufactured. More Moldavite Info!

 (3) Nantan/Nandan is an iron meteorite that is known for is ability to rust away to nothing, a fact that many sellers of this meteorite fail to mention. Nantan is truely a meteorite to stay away from unless you are willing to accept that the overwhelming majority of specimens will fall apart over a very short period of time. Ones that do not rust are probably shale and have NO meteoritic iron left. The huge number of meteorwrongs presented as Nantans is another reason to stay away.more info

NOTE: Scammed? Have you have exhausted attempts with the seller, eBay, and Paypal? If 'yes' and your seller shipped via US Postal Service, try this.

auctions by 'starchasersmeteorites'

Note: 'starchasersmeteorites' sells (1) suspect* meteorites (specimens he has found and SELF-classified, with no indication of independent verification or proper classification despite the 'test documentation') and (2) actual meteorites he has purchased on eBay, so pay attention! Bidder's ID's are NOW kept 'Private'!

SEE Expert Opinion and lab results!


auctions by 'mauimag'

Note: 'mauimag' sells specimens he has found and SELF-classified, with no indication of independent verification or proper classification. Buyer Beware!