Photo Identification: For a flat fee of $20 USD (per specimen), I will examine photographs of specimens from anywhere in the world and provide you with an identification. While photo IDs can be tentative depending on the uniqueness of the specimen, Photo ID is great for relatively common specimens, or if you have several specimens that require identification. It can also be a good place to start if you are investigating a new area and want the opinion of an expert on what you may have found. My IDs are backed up by 40 years of rockhounding, fossil collecting and academic/museum experience. Typically I will ID your specimen photos within 3 business days, or I’ll get back to you in that timeframe to perhaps ask a few follow-up questions. Rush service is available for an extra fee of $10 USD per specimen. If you have multiple specimens (i.e., more than 10) that need photo identification, reach out to me about a “quantity discount”.
Mail-In Specimen Analysis and Identification: If you would like me to examine your specimen(s) in-person, you can mail them to me and for a flat fee of $40 USD per specimen, I will evaluate your specimen(s) using the appropriate tests. Depending on whether your specimen is a rock, mineral, or fossil, I will asses mineral content, hardness, magnetivity, crystal habit, etc… and then provide you with a detailed geologic or paleontological report. Mailing specimens for in-person ID is the best option if you have a specimen(s) that may be relatively unique and/or important from a scientific or personal perspective, and that you would really benefit from the expert opinion of a paleontologist/geologist. Typically, I will ID your specimen(s) within 7 business days of receiving them in the mail, and then provide you with a detailed report. Rush service is available for an extra fee of $10 USD per specimen. Unless you specify that return is not needed, your specimens will be immediately returned to you via USPS. Specimens mailed to me for in-person identification must be no larger than fist sized (or less than 2 pounds). If you want to mail a larger specimen you will need to contact me to discuss additional return shipping charges, or you must be willing to forgo return of the specimen.
Thin-section Analysis: Making a thin-section will provide you with the most precise mineralogical assessment of your rock or potential meteorite, or in some cases the cellular structure of your fossil. For a flat fee of $95 USD I will prepare a thin-section of your specimen(s), and then examine and photograph it using a petrographic microscope. You will provided with a detailed mineralogical or histological (for fossils) assessment of your specimen. If you need multiple thin sections, the first one is $95 but additional sections are only $75 USD each. Rush service is available for an extra fee of $30 USD per section. Making a thin-section requires several hours of careful preparation, spaced out over several days to allow for adhesive materials to dry and properly cure. Typically I am able to return your specimen(s) and provide a detailed report within 10 business days of receiving your specimen(s) in the mail. Any leftover specimen fragments and the resulting thin-sections will be returned to you via USPS.
If you would like have a specimen professionally identified, please click on the “Specimen ID Request Form” below.
Email your completed ID Request Form to this address: GeologyID.com@gmail.com, and I will respond within 48 hours. Thank you!
Appraisals: Do you have a collection of rocks, minerals and/or fossils that you need appraised? While I am not a licensed/registered appraiser, I do have 40+ years of experience collecting, buying, and selling natural history objects, and can provide you with an accurate estimate of how much your collection is worth (not viable for tax-purposes but useful for resale). Appraisals are only available within a 2-hour drive of Roanoke, VA, or if you are willing to pay to have your collection shipped (prohibitively expensive for most rock collections). The cost of appraisals varies depending on the number of specimens you have, how far I would need to travel, and the amount of time it would take to sort through your collection. My rate is generally $75 per hour. If you are interested in obtaining an appraisal for your rocks, minerals or fossils, please email me using the link above.
