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How to Preserve Meteorites

Meteorites are pieces of "rock" from space that have survived the impact on Earth's surface. According to the New England Meteoritical Services, the three types of meteorites are iron, stone and stony-iron. Meteorites begin to disintegrate when they are exposed to Earth's environment. Specimens that are exposed to water (or even the sweat from your hands) will deteriorate more rapidly. The best environment for preserving meteorites is a very dry place in which the temperatures remain consistent.

Things You'll Need

Alcohol
Cloth
Distilled water
Hair dryer
Heat lamp
Rust guard
Desiccant bag

Instructions

- 1
  Clean the meteorite with alcohol, such as 99 percent isopropyl alcohol. Dip a soft, clean cloth in the alcohol, wring it and clean the surface of the meteorite. Rinse the meteorite with distilled water. According to Earth Science Australia, you should never expose a meteorite to any kind of water other than distilled water. The salt and chlorine in tap or well water can cause rusting and increase the rate of deterioration.
- 2
  Allow the meteorite to dry. Use a heat source, such as a hair dryer or a heat lamp, to speed the drying process. Apply a protective coating, such as a spray-on rust guard.
- 3
  Place the meteorite in a desiccant bag. A desiccant is a substance used as a drying agent. It provides a barrier against moisture. A plastic bag or other container is not suitable for preserving meteorites, according to Earth Science Australia.
- 4
  Keep your meteorite in a place where the temperature will not fluctuate. Do not store it near air conditioners, heaters, open windows or doors.

Astronomy