[meteorite-list] Re: suspected meteoriteoff topic gemology

From: David Freeman <dfreeman_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Thu Apr 22 09:55:40 2004
Message-ID: <3C366A5D.4080709_at_fascination.com>

Dear Meteorite enthusiasts;
For those among us that don't know diamond testing from coal nuggets;
the professional diamond testers that diamond testers use are set up to
check electrical conductive properties of diamonds that are CUT. I have
tested numberous diamonds that are uncut and the testers could not
distinguish them. The testers need cut faceted faces to distinguish
diamonds. One of the better ways to test for diamonds is to use a loupe
and look for the crystal habit. Once one studies real rough diamonds,
quartz is not nearly as mistaken for a diamond.
Quartz has a different specific gravity, test with solution to float the
gem in 2.6 solution. Diamond will sink (3 specific gravity), the quartz
will float (specific gravity 2.5 of water). Also, the refractive index
can be tested to prove diamond, clear topaz, and other gems that look
that way. Some diamonds fluoresce under a black light, this can be a
helpful tool.
The hardness test is very good as well, diamond will scratch quartz.
 Glass is a rather poor test for any suspected gemstones as glass is
hardness of 5 and all ( hardness of precious gems is 8 or 9 and all but
opal would scratch it. Garnet hardness 7.5, topaz 8, ALL of the agate
and quartz families (silica enriched 7.5 hardness) would scratch glass.
 Sand will scratch glass. I have a pocket knife blade that will
scratch glass. After a good sand storm on top of our Wyoming snow, my
ice scraper will scratch glass, real gem of a deal there, yuck, yuck!
 Some boxes that cassettes come in will scratch glass, PLASTIC...even!
Libraries commonly have books where one can learn gemstone
identification, and Fred Ward has books on gemstones that are really
good reading.
MMM....libraries have books on meteorites too....Rocks From
Space...would eliminate much ignorance of those who try to sell
meteorites fraudulently if they read up a little before they offer
ignorance of knowledge.
Just another great case for the *Seal*...
All that glitters is not gold, all that sparkles is not diamond, and all
that a magnet will stick to, or all that uncle so and so said is
meteoritic...is not necessarily meteorite either.
Go for the *Seal*,
Dave Freeman



Rhett Bourland wrote:

>Sorry but its not a meteorite. Meteorite don't have quartz or fossils like
>the ones in the pictures on your website. If you sincerely think that they
>do come from a large (10km) crater like what is stated on your website then
>I sugest that you contact some local geologists so that they may search for
>evidence of shock metamorphism. That plus I've never seen any meteorites
>that look quite like yours. If you search the web I'm sure you'll be able
>to see pictures of what a real meteorite looks like.
>Best wishes,
>Rhett Bourland
>www.asteroidmodels.com
>www.asteroidmodels.com/personal
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: meteorite-list-admin_at_meteoritecentral.com
>[mailto:meteorite-list-admin_at_meteoritecentral.com]On Behalf Of M Yousef
>Sent: Friday, January 04, 2002 9:15 AM
>To: meteorite-list_at_meteoritecentral.com
>Subject: [meteorite-list] Fwd: suspected meteorite
>
>
>Dear Sirs;
>
>Please help me to identify this importannt meteorite.
>Information and pictures in the following site:
>
>http://pages.britishlibrary.net/mhy10/meteor/index.html
>
>Sincerely
>
>Mohamed H Yousef
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Received on Fri 04 Jan 2002 09:52:13 PM PST