No subject

From: bogus_at_does.not.exist.com_at_meteoritecentral.com
Date: Thu Apr 22 11:08:00 2004
Message-ID: <mailman.0.1082646480.96082.meteorite-list_at_meteoritecentral.com>

Subject : [meteorite-list] Unclassified NWAs

> Hi All,
>
+++SNIP!+++
> MAJOR issue that I don't believe has been discussed
> here in detail is fraud.
+++SNIP!+++
> Perhaps the weathering of Saharan meteorites is
> sufficiently distinctive that it acts as a brand for

> place of origin. If not, then meteorite importers
> bear some responsibility in helping to devise
methods
> to curtail this type of fraud.
+++SNIP!+++
>
> Cheers,
> Rob
> _______________________________________________


As you know, Rob, this isn't an issue that has been
overlooked. It's just a topic that is made even more
unpleasant to contemplate when it is clear that there
is no easy solution to stop this all-too-likely
scenario from occurring.

All of the NWA importers that I have talked to have
shown some concern regarding this very issue and are
taking at least some minimal measures to discourage
fraud. The prime method of fraud avoidance being used
by the importers is the CUTTING, or grinding or
windowing of all stones.

Of course this is being done for other reasons, as
well , but it has the unintended effect of making it
hard for the "finder" of a "new" N.American desert
meteorite to explain WHERE IS the END-CUT to his "new
find". ;-)

YES, I've seen the little stone fragments that aren't
"cut" circulating around already, but all I can say to
the importers is this - find yourself an engravers
stamp and start carving your "brand" on these little
trouble makers. If you can't find the time to do
that, then send them all to me and I'll do it for ya'.

Short of spraying the whole mess of them with a clear
"tracer" solution, I don't have any other good
suggestions. I'd like to hear some other suggestions.
 We don't necessarily need GOOD suggestions. We just
need to do something. ANYTHING!

Bob V.



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Received on Thu 22 Apr 2004 11:05:42 AM PDT