Research
Guidelines and Requirements for Submitting Research on Historical Minerals or Specimens with Complex Provenance
By following these guidelines, your provenance verification can be processed with maximum speed and accuracy, reducing the need for additional document requests.
These instructions reflect the current Geo Veritas standards, which are regularly updated in line with best practices in traceability, due diligence, and the protection of scientific heritage.
Please note that the requirements apply to any specimen which, due to its characteristics, rarity, or context of origin, falls within the category of historical, extractive, or museum-grade minerals.
Required information for research and verification
To conduct a complete provenance investigation and issue a Geo Veritas Report or Certificate, you must provide information in two main areas:
Identification data of the mineral
For each specimen submitted, the following details must be provided at minimum:
- Photographic images (front, back, labels or base)
- Mineral name and variety
- Declared locality or mine (region, country, site)
- Period or approximate date of extraction (if known)
- Support or matrix (e.g., on host rock, on base, etc.)
- Approximate dimensions and weight
- Identifying features (period labels, inventory numbers, inscriptions, collector notes)
Provenance and ownership data
At least two levels of documented provenance are mandatory:
(a) Current provenance
- Name and nature of the holder (private collection, museum, institution, dealer, etc.)
- Place and year of acquisition
- Mode of acquisition or transfer (auction, donation, exchange, inheritance, etc.)
Example: “Private collection, Barcelona. Acquired at the Munich Show 2015.”
(b) Earlier provenance (prior to 2000)
- Name of previous owner or collection
- Location and period of ownership
- Any published or photographic references
Example: “Former A. Branco Collection, Ascona, documented before 1985.”
Without provenance predating the year 2000, Geo Veritas will not be able to issue a full verification certificate.
However, we can confirm whether the specimen does or does not appear in our system or related sources.
Additional documentation
For rare minerals, specimens from sensitive regions, or items linked to historical collections, Geo Veritas may request additional documentation, such as:
- old labels or catalogue slips
- archive photographs
- publications or bibliographic citations
- previous certificates or museum records
Best practices for submitting your research
Provide all known provenance information, including publications or exhibition history.
- If research has been carried out previously, include the reference number to avoid duplication.
- If the mineral was acquired from a dealer or intermediary, secure all provenance data before submission.
- Requests lacking sufficient documentation cannot result in the issuance of a final certificate.
Geo Veritas operates according to principles of rigor, traceability, and transparency.
Our goal is to protect the market and ensure that every mineral – historical or contemporary – is accompanied by clear and verifiable provenance.
For more information or assistance with preparing your submission, please contact the Geo Veritas team directly.
