Some sellers may choose to use an XRF machine to determine the composition of a meteorite in order to identify its general category or class (HED, Martian Shergottite, LL). Assuming the operator is qualified to use the machine, an XRF machine can provide excellent insights into the general category the meteorite belongs to. In other words, an XRF can help determine if a meteorite is an HED or lunar meteorite versus a primitive achondrite. However, an XRF machine is not a proper substitute for a complete classification by a recognized meteoritic institution. Never use an XRF result to differentiate between two similarly classified meteorites (e.g., St. Severin and Ensisheim). XRF results should be treated as another piece of valuable information to determine meteorite type and help parties make better educated decisions.
