4 ms·

I've heard the same, not just for meteorites, but for any type of geological sample and exotic specimens.

• throwaway0a5e 5y ago
  Yup. Even if the scientist wants to give it back their employer has a high likelihood of getting involved and behaving how faceless bureaucratic entities behave.
  • hermitdev 5y ago
    I don't have any skin in this game, but how's the saying go? Possession is 9/10s of the law?
• williamscales 5y ago
  I would go so far as to suggest that it is not merely behavior confined to scientists. Any potentially valuable item sent unsolicited to a stranger is unlikely to be returned.
  • slapfrog 5y ago
    People expect better of scientists, but shouldn't.
    • klyrs 5y ago
      If you want to keep your rock, pay for an appraisal.