ADARA Astromaterials

Analysis, Curation & Classification.

DISCOVERING THE SECRETS 
OF METEORITES

The search for meteorites has become a lucrative activity, a livelihood for many people. More and more strange rocks are being discovered in deserts, but only 1% of them are meteorites. The key to discovering them and enjoying their benefits is in the laboratory, and we are here to help you. 

Sahara, Atacama, Oman, and other great deserts have become repositories of valuable meteorites waiting to be discovered.

Prepare your samples for the laboratory, and we will discover the secrets they contain. Because the key to knowing its value is in the laboratory microscopes. This is your page, welcome!

Do you believe you're find a meteorite?

Meteorites identification requires the performance of analyses on physical samples of the rock. Therefore, to adequately identify samples found of possible meteorites, it will be necessary to extract a fragment (at least 20 grams) and send it to the laboratory for analysis.

For this reason, on this page we leave you some basic instructions to access the laboratory service. Do not hesitate to contact us if you need more information.

The Petrographic Laboratory works on the supposed meteorites thin section elaboration, as well as authentic meteorites for their official classification or certification, and other geological materials (rocks, lavas, fossils, etc.) for your personal collection, whether you are a collector private, as a student or technician.

We offer a petrographic service for professionals, students and neophytes in the geological sciences.

Do not doubt that the best ally in the search for meteorites is the laboratory. In it all doubts are resolved, and that is that meteorites are rocks different from those of our planet, they speak their own language, and therefore they need to be analysed to identify their nature.

Many meteorites are very similar to terrestrial rocks, which makes them very difficult to identify with the naked eye.

WE DO NOT WORK ON THE IDENTIFICATION OF TERRESTRIAL MATERIALS. If the sample is NOT a meteorite, our services go no further.

All the information on the fees, procedures, how to extract the samples, how they should be, how and where they should be sent, discounts, etc, can be found in this web page. Anyway, if you need some extra information, do not hesitate to contact us.  We are so proud to attend your request. 

Our technical team is at your service to offer you all the information and advice you need. Feel free to contact us. We work with research centers of recognized international prestige, both European and American.

TESTING of samples suspected
to be METEORITES

We offer several types of services in our laboratory. One of them, of particular interest, is the testing of samples suspected of being meteorites.

To do this, the necessary analyses will be carried out to determine whether a sample is a meteorite or material of terrestrial origin.

A sample of at least 20 grams is required, and carries a one-time fee of €60 (discounted price for batches of more than 10 samples).

LABORATORY SERVICES

Contact us to expand information on any of our services and request a quote without commitment.

Thin Sectioning

Elaboration of thin sections for petrography, of rocks, fossils and meteorites. batch discounts. CLICK HERE.

Analysis & Curation

Analysis, teatments, recovery, protection and conservation of meteorites.

Meteorites Certification

Analysis and Certification of meteorites and suspicious samples of the client.

Official Classification

Registration in The Meteoritical Bulletin of new meteorites found by our clients. CLICK HERE.

What types of analysis do we do, and why?

Before placing your order, read this information and ask us if you have any questions. Make sure of the type of analysis you want to do, since each one of them offers a different information of the analyzed samples.
You can order one of them, or both analysis.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT TYPES OF ANALYSIS, CLICK HERE.

TESTING SERVICE FOR SAMPLES SUSPECTED OF BEING METEORITES using magnetic susceptibility (it has nothing to do with applying magnets to the samples).

PETROGRAPHIC ANALYSIS.

It is carried out by means of polarized light microscopy in a thin section of the sample. It is used to identify minerals, determine textures, shock grades and weathering grade of meteorites.

It does not provide information on the chemical composition of the sample.

This type of analysis is performed to characterize meteorites in order to obtain their official classification.

CHEMICAL ANALYSIS BY XRF.

X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) is used to determine the chemical composition of the total sample in values of oxides and elements. With this technique we do not obtain photographs, nor do we know the degree of shock or weathering of the samples.  It provides chemical, non-modal information about the rocks.

MAGNETIC SUSCEPTIBILITY

It is an official technique used to measure the reaction capacity of rocks to the magnetic field, and determine through their values if they are meteorites and what type. Highly recommended.  Used in all types of samples. 

OXYGEN ISOTOPES

Analysis of δ17O/δ18O oxygen isotopes in suspicious samples to determine their origin and place of fractionation in the solar system. Request price by email. Used in all types of samples. Used in all types of samples. 

How to send samples to the Laboratory?

Identifying, analyzing and certifying new meteorites requires analysis. Here are the basic steps for sending samples to the lab. Once the sample arrives at the laboratory, it will take some time (generally about 3 weeks) to carry out the analysis, although this time may vary, we ask for your patience. REQUEST THE ORDER AND ACCEPTANCE OF CONDITIONS SHEET to send your samples to the laboratory.

Request the order and acceptance of conditions sheet.

Information

Write down the data of your rock. Weight, place and date of discovery or purchase, if known, the coordinates. Any information that is known can be useful to enrich the laboratory report. Don't forget to take clear photos (not for identification, just for documentation).

Single fragment samples if possible.

Sampling

Extract with a dremel if possible, a sample of more than 20 grams. As much as possible in one piece. Wrap it in cotton and aluminum foil. If there are several samples, do not forget to number them separately. Write a data note for each.

Request the data for the payment.

Fees payment

Ask us for bank information for payment of laboratory taxes.  (UPDATE SEPTEMBER 2024).

You can request the full information in PDF. Contact us. 

Certify your shipment to ensure it.

Shipping

Prepare your sample and data in a package for shipment to the lab.

If you will use the postal service, please, send samples to:

SEND US AN E-MAIL TO REQUEST THE SHIPPING ADDRESS and the Order and conditions document. 

 meteoritoscanarias@gmail.com 

METEOWRONGS

In more than 90% of the cases, the analyzed rocks are considered terrestrial, not meteorites. They are called "meteorwrongs".


Before sending us suspected samples, we invite you to visit the website on meteorwrongs, from the Washington University in Saint Louis, through this link:

ACCESS TO WUSTL METEORWRONGS

ACCESS TO IRON OXIDES AND ANALOGUES

How long does the study of a sample take?

This question is a serious one, and we are asked it very often. The time it takes to complete the analysis of one or more samples will depend on several factors. Generally, it is usually finished within a period of between 20-60 days after receiving the sample. But if there is backlog of work in the lab, it will be queued until it can be processed. Times are variable, and not conclusive. The times are marked by laboratory work, and external pressures will not exert any benefit. Please, be patient. Don't be continually emailing to find out about your results. When they are ready they will be notified. Check your spam or spam folder.

In the case of geochemical analysis, or classification processes, they can often be concluded between 90-180 days, however there are classifications that take many months, even years. It is important to be patient, since any news in the progress of the processes will be communicated to the client without delay at the time they occur. We appreciate your maximum patience. The laboratory has its times.

What is done with the sample?

All positive samples (which is why complete rocks are not allowed, only samples of them) will be deposited in the repository as a means of determining the documentation that is delivered to the client and that is extensible to the complete part that they have in their possession. These samples, devoid of commercial value, are the testimony of the legal validity of the documentation that will be issued after studying them.

The remains of negative samples are discarded or destined for research and educational purposes.

LEGAL NOTICE to all interested parties.

Sending samples to the laboratory is linked to these conditions. 

IMPORTANT NOTE; We are now in transit to be an LLC company in USA.

Dear customer.

FIRST, PLEASE READ THESE CONDITIONS BELOW CAREFULLY, BECAUSE IT IS ASSUMED THAT YOU HAVE ACCEPTED THEM IF YOUR SAMPLES ARRIVE AT OUR LABORATORY. 

Thank you for your interest in our laboratory's services. Please, before starting the procedure for the samples admission, read this agreement carefully, which with binding character, will be effective from the moment we receive your sample.

The admission of samples for study implies acceptance by the client of the clauses contained in this protocol in a contractual manner.  In this way we work to protect the quality of work, the interests of the client and the proper work development of the technical personnel involved.

Read the entire procedure and the information contained here in carefully, because it will be assumed that you have been informed and accept the conditions set forth therein.

At this laboratory, all samples are handled with absolute impartiality.- They are prepared for the corresponding analyses and evaluated in strict accordance with the scientific criteria applicable to each case. Our conclusions are drawn directly from the analytical results, without interference or bias of any kind.We fully understand that, at times, the outcomes may not align with expectations. However, these results will never be altered, adapted, or manipulated to meet the desires or assumptions of any individual or party. The results are what they are—and they will be communicated with full rigor, objectivity, and transparency. This unwavering adherence to scientific truth constitutes our most valuable guarantee and institutional hallmark.

1.- ACCEPTANCE.- The client formally accepts the outcome of the analysis conducted on the submitted sample(s), regardless of whether the result is positive or negative. The laboratory operates under strict scientific standards, and the conclusions issued are definitive based on the data obtained. Any form of threat, insult, undue pressure, or inappropriate conduct—no matter how minor—will not be tolerated and may lead to legal action. While we understand that receiving a negative report, especially in the case of a non-meteoritic sample, may be disappointing, clients are expected to maintain respectful and professional communication at all times. Should the client wish to dispute a result, they may do so by requesting a repeat analysis—subject to payment of the applicable fees—or by submitting the sample to a different certified institution of their choosing. However, we sincerely ask that clients refrain from engaging the laboratory staff in unproductive or speculative debates regarding outcomes. Any such discussions will be terminated immediately. Additionally, the client agrees not to exert pressure, impose deadlines, or intimidate the laboratory staff in any manner. Estimated timelines are provided for guidance only. The commencement of an analysis does not guarantee a fixed delivery date; turnaround times may vary significantly depending on the laboratory's workload, and the final results may be delivered within a few weeks or, in some cases, several months. The client acknowledges and unconditionally accepts these terms. All communications between the client and the laboratory are archived and monitored by the legal department to safeguard the rights and responsibilities of both parties. The laboratory reserves the right to decline the acceptance of any sample without obligation to provide justification.

2.- DONATION OF SAMPLES.- In certain cases, the laboratory employs destructive analytical techniques, which may involve the partial or complete destruction of the submitted material during the preparation of thin sections, cuts, or other procedures necessary for the analysis. Accordingly, all samples sent for analysis are understood to be donated to research. These samples are considered to have no commercial value and are used exclusively for scientific purposes, including further studies or complementary tests that may be required to reach a definitive conclusion. This laboratory does not return samples under any circumstance. Therefore, we do not accept whole or complete pieces unless they are explicitly donated for research purposes. We kindly remind our clients: just as one does not expect a medical laboratory to return a blood sample after testing, you should not expect the return of your rock sample once submitted for scientific study. If you are unsure whether to send a full specimen, or have any concerns regarding the nature of the donation, we encourage you to contact the laboratory beforehand for clarification.

3.- SALE OF ROCKS.- Clients are strictly advised not to send meteorites or stones with the intention of having them sold by the laboratory. ADARA does not act as an intermediary or broker in the sale of meteorites or any other materials. We do not sell, offer, or mediate the transfer of ownership of any client-submitted specimens to third parties under any circumstance.

4.- CUSTOMER DATA PROTECTION.- All personal data provided by the client during the procedure shall be used exclusively for the purpose of communicating the results obtained by the laboratory. In full compliance with applicable data protection regulations, this information will not be stored, shared, or retained beyond what is necessary for the transmission of the analytical results. Once the communication process is completed, all personal data will be permanently deleted. Only a serial number will remain on record, used to identify the analyzed sample and its results. This code is not linked to any personal or client-identifiable information. The client grants authorization solely for the legal purpose established in this document, and for no other use of their personal data.

5.- REJECTION AND RECLASSIFICATION NOTICE.- The identification of meteorites—whether preliminary or through basic analytical techniques—does not preclude the possibility that future methods or scientific advances may alter previous assessments. The definitive and internationally recognized classification of a meteorite is established only through the official classification process, which involves the application of advanced analytical techniques, including nuclear methods, geochemistry, isotopic analysis, and other laboratory-standardized procedures. Clients should also be aware that even officially classified meteorites may be reclassified at any time based on new data, discoveries, or scientific consensus. This is true even for meteorites whose typology has already been published in The Meteoritical Bulletin.

6.- SCOPE OF SERVICES: METEORITES ONLY.- This laboratory works exclusively with astromaterials. Terrestrial rocks fall outside the scope of our services and are considered irrelevant for the purposes of our analytical procedures. Any commentary regarding terrestrial samples will be purely indicative and non-binding. The analyses performed by this laboratory are intended solely to determine whether the submitted material is a meteorite, and if so, to establish its type and classification. It is not the role nor responsibility of ADARA to identify or classify terrestrial rocks. There are over 5,000 recognized types of terrestrial rocks, and their study lies beyond the scope of our protocol and scientific mandate.

7.- COMMERCIAL TRANSACTIONS OUTSIDE THE LABORATORY.- Any commercial transactions carried out by the owners of the rocks are entirely independent from and unrelated to this laboratory. The documents issued by ADARA pertain exclusively to the scientific analysis of the specific samples submitted, and should not be construed as commercial endorsements or guarantees of authenticity for third-party transactions. We act in good faith and trust that any commercial use of our reports or certificates will be responsible and truthful. However, the laboratory explicitly disclaims all liability for the fraudulent, misleading, or unauthorized use of any document or report issued by us.

8.- IMAGEN AND ADVERTISING RIGHTS.- The laboratory reserves the right to use photographs, microphotographs, analytical data, and related visual or scientific materials derived from submitted samples for purposes of scientific publication, research dissemination, educational outreach, advertising, and social media communication. Such use is grounded in the understanding that all submitted samples contribute to a broader educational, scientific, and didactic mission. That said, ADARA does not share personal data or client-specific details with third parties, as all transactions and analytical requests are treated as confidential and private matters of the respective client.

9.- PAYMENT OF LABORATORY FEES.- All laboratory work and analyses are subject to a fee that must be paid by the client via bank transfer. Payment is required in advance; no analysis will commence until the corresponding fee has been received. The client expressly understands and accepts that the fee covers the analytical service itself, regardless of the outcome—positive or negative. As such, no refunds will be issued once the analysis has been completed. If payment is not received within 10 calendar days from the arrival of the sample, the laboratory will proceed to discard and destroy the material without further notice or obligation.

10.- CHOOSING THE TYPE OF ANALYSIS TO REQUEST.- As of January 1, 2025, ADARA has simplified its service options to make them more accessible and transparent for clients. If your sample is an unknown material and you simply wish to determine whether or not it is a meteorite, you may request the TESTING service. The OFFICIAL CLASSIFICATION service is reserved exclusively for confirmed meteorites and is used to submit results for official recognition and registration. Additional services available include OXYGEN ISOTOPE ANALYSIS, for advanced scientific characterization, and DIAMOND WIRE CUTTING, for high-precision sample preparation. If you have any doubts about which service is appropriate for your case, please contact the laboratory in advance for guidance.

11.- UPDATES TO TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND FINAL DISCLAIMER.- The laboratory reserves the right to update, modify, or expand its terms and conditions at any time, without prior notice. By submitting a sample, the client automatically agrees to the most current version of these conditions. All updates will be published and made available on the laboratory’s legal terms and conditions page: www.meteoriteslab.org By submitting any sample to ADARA Laboratory, the client acknowledges having read, understood, and accepted all of the above conditions. These terms constitute the sole legal framework governing the relationship between the client and the laboratory. Any interpretation, dispute, or legal proceeding arising from these services shall be resolved under Spanish law, with express submission to the competent courts of Las Palmas, Canary Islands, Spain.

TO PROCEED WITH SENDING A SAMPLE, CONTACT US AND REQUEST THE ORDER DOCUMENT, WHICH MUST BE SIGNED AND SHIPPED WITH YOUR SAMPLES.

Contact us for more information.

REMEMBER; NO PHOTOGRAPHS OR VIDEOS ARE COMMENTED. WE DO NOT ANSWER EMAILS WHERE THE QUERY IS ASKING TO IDENTIFY PHOTOS. 

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