Historic meteorites in the collection of the Moa University Geology Museum

Abstract

The Museum of Geology of the University of Moa constitutes an educational and cultural institution, whose social purpose is the promotion and preservation of the geological heritage, as well as environmental culture. Within the collections, the 12 specimens investigated in this work stand out, as they were recovered from foreign locations and represent the largest and most significant collection of extraterrestrial rocks in Cuba. These historical specimens, mostly from the 19th century, were reviewed in the scientific literature and their provenance investigated, and include meteorites of different classifications: a martian meteorite, 5 stony meteorites, 3 stony-irons (2 pallasites) and 3 iron meteorites. Keeping these historic meteorites properly displayed and in a reasonably controlled environment will give them increased longevity so future generations of enthusiasts and geoscientists can enjoy them.