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The IMCA is the collector/dealer organization that unofficially governs the sale and handling of meteorites by it's members. Members agree to a set of standards of conduct when joining. Collectors are usually admitted more rapidly, where dealers are usually vetted first and take longer to be accepted. The IMCA is the sole watchdog that helps ensure the handling and trade of meteorites meets some professional standard. Of course, I am *not* an IMCA member at this time, so I do not speak for the organization - I am merely relaying my understanding of the IMCA.

By contrast, the Meteoritical Society is an academic group of mostly scientists and researchers who study meteorites and related planetary subjects - publishing papers in two major journals that are put out by the MS, primarily the "MAPS" or Journal of Meteoritics and Planetary Science. MS membership is open to anyone, with less vetting than the IMCA, because the MS does not concern itself with the sale/dealing of meteorites - only their study.

Being a member of either one demonstrates that one is "serious" about meteorite collecting and/or their study.

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Very Well Said,Mike.And Thank You For Letting Collectors Know more about the IMCA and also letting many know about the Meteoritical Society. A Very Well Respected Organization in its own right.

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Todd C.

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