What is the primary immediate action advised for preserving a suspected space rock found in soil or mud?

Minimize handling and contamination; do not clean with water or chemicals.

The initial steps taken upon discovering a potential meteorite are critical because improper handling can rapidly degrade fragile features or introduce terrestrial contamination that compromises scientific analysis. The primary immediate directive is to handle the specimen as little as possible to minimize physical disturbance and chemical contamination. Specifically, the use of water or cleaning chemicals must be avoided because these agents accelerate terrestrial weathering processes, leading to rusting of internal metal components or the obscuring of delicate exterior features like the fusion crust. If debris is present, only loose material should be gently brushed away using a soft cloth or brush, prioritizing preservation over immediate cleaning.