[meteorite-list] Meteorite or wrong

From: MexicoDoug <MexicoDoug_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Sat Sep 30 22:56:43 2006
Message-ID: <000f01c6e504$fb4571a0$c8c85ec8_at_0019110394>

Hi Dave,

"The difference in the two densities is around 7%. Could my measurement
error be 7%? Or, can it be hollow inside?"

Your 7.35 g/cc would be just about right if not tiny tad heavy for most cast
irons, which aren't pure iron. Hope you can do a circumference check as
that is the only way to definitively reject the idea that it was a cannon
ball, if it confirms your measurement.

Civil War didn't have any shot (solid ball) guns for something as large as 9
inches.

If it were a typical shell, it would be at least 25% lighter than a solid
ball. The gruesome idea in war is to produce lots of small shrapnel rain to
put the enemy in agony, not crack almost solid iron slug with small amounts
of powder, and larger pieces which would have less range to fly.

Whether is was used for grinding ore or chemicals in the explosive process,
it would seem pretty certain to be a grinding ball.

Best wishes, Doug


----- Original Message -----
From: <dfpens_at_comcast.net>
To: "Meteorite List" <meteorite-list_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Sent: Saturday, September 30, 2006 9:14 PM
Subject: [meteorite-list] Meteorite or wrong


> Dear List:
>
> I am always impressed with the depth and wealth of knowledge you folks
possess.
>
> Thanks for all your input on what exactly my friend might have found.
>
> The suggestions are:
>
> Cannonball
> UFO
> Minor Planet
> Ore Milling Ball
> Wrecking Ball
> Oven Melt from Joliet Army Ammunitions Plant
> Civil War Mortar Shell
> Old Ship Ballast
> Baron Munchhausen's Cannon Ball (my favorite)
>
> There seems to be some question regarding the diameter of this object.
Two people took measurements and both attempted to be as accurate as
possible. The actual diameter most probably does not deviate from 9 1/4
inches by more than ~1/8 inch. Even considering the amount of surface that
may have rusted off over time, the maximum diameter probably was not over 9
1/2 inches. Also, there is no visible port or opening for a fuse that any
of us observed.
>
> In addition, the density of iron is 491.5 lb/ft.3. I calculated the
density for this ball to be 458 lb/ft3 - using a bathroom scale and the tape
measure. The difference in the two densities is around 7%. Could my
measurement error be 7%? Or, can it be hollow inside? More food for
thought!!
>
> Thank you Marcin, Stefan, Martin, Bill, MexicoDoug, Sterling, RB, Ed,
Elton, Dave, Pete, Darren, Susan, and Jason for your thoughtful input.
>
> Although I can't be certain of what we have, I am inclined to think that
it is an old ore milling ball.
>
> Dave
>
>
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Received on Sat 30 Sep 2006 10:54:55 PM PDT