[meteorite-list] Toxic Minerals

From: LJnewpers_at_aol.com <LJnewpers_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Thu Apr 22 10:31:58 2004
Message-ID: <ce.43607f7f.2d2c7b65_at_aol.com>

Dear Fredmeteorhall and list,

Great job on the cautions re:Toxic Minerals, Fred. You could be saving
someone from serious illness or worse with your information. There ARE very real
possible dangers. I personally was given a piece of arsenopyrite (also known as
kryptomalite) as a possible meteorite and was fortunate enough to have
discussed it with my geologist son-in-law and with THE OTHER FRED, Olsen, before
grinding away on it. Best advice for those who are given a suspected meteorite to
cut or grind is -- don't unless you take precautions.

Might also mention that a surprising percentage of folks have allergic
reactions to nickel, so dry grinding and inhaling the dust of irons could cause
serious illness, especially to the respiratory system.

Larry Johnson
Received on Tue 06 Jan 2004 03:58:13 PM PST