[meteorite-list] Non Destructive testing of possible Iron Meteorites

From: Mr EMan <mstreman53_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Tue, 4 Dec 2007 19:46:11 -0800 (PST)
Message-ID: <11368.60922.qm_at_web51009.mail.re2.yahoo.com>

To test for exclusion, that is to exclude this from being a meteorite,
my take is to determine the Specific Gravity ranges of Irons and the
range for Ataxites. Conduct a SpGr analysis on the specimen. I would
use distilled water given that it has been exposed already but if one
chooses not to, then use an indexed non aqueous fluid.( Alcohol,
mineral oil, etc.) If the specific gravity of the specimen falls
outside the known ranges then it is a candidate for exclusion.

All that said I've never seen an iron meteorite shaped like this one.
the lack of major rusting is a red flag. So is the shape, so is the
texture. This looks more like a pitted artifact from a ball
mill/smelting operation.

However this could be a new learning experience to attempt!

Could we see a close up microscopic view of the surface?

Elton
Received on Tue 04 Dec 2007 10:46:11 PM PST