[meteorite-list] Is this an ethical way to treat a meteorite?

From: jbaxter112 at pol.net <jbaxter112_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Wed, 8 Apr 2009 13:20:00 -0400 (EDT)
Message-ID: <48813.10.250.10.1.1239211200.squirrel_at_webmail.medscape.com>

Hi Bill,

I'm one of the subset of collectors who prefers the 'natural patina' on
the surface of irons in general and I tend to go for the least treated
specimens. That being said, some people clearly prefer the shiny treated
irons, and if your process allows some kids at a show, say, to get an iron
meteorite and get interested in the hobby, I'd say more power to you. I do
think buyers should see or hear your clear explanation of the starting
status of your material(maybe a demo 'before' and 'after' specimen or
photo would be nice).

How long have you observed these after cleaning? My mantra has always been
that the gold standard for stability of irons is time on the shelf without
rusting.

Cheers,
Jim Baxter

> Hello list,
> I have an assortment of "OLD" Campos I purchased from a
> guy who lives in a very humid climate. When I received them, they were
> extremely rusty, and big flakes of rust falling off every time I would
> even look sideways at them. I debated with trying the galvanic
> cleansing, wire brushing, shot peening, acid baths, etc. etc. or just
> slicing them up, and grinding off the crusty edges. In fact I have done
> all of these things to test pieces, with less than miraculous results.
> It was, and still is my personal belief that if the rust can be removed
> ENTIRELY, and Either soak them in trans fluid, or carnuba spray wax,
> that they will stabilize. In fact it appears I may have done so, but
> with some interesting side affects. I know many meteorite enthusiasts
> are against changing the natural appearance of a
> meteorite, with good reason, However considering the circumstances and
> possible repercussions of doing nothing at all I have transformed an old
> Campo.
>
> This process removes ALL rust, leaves small splotches of shiny fusion
> crust ( at least it sure appears to be ) and provides nice polish. It
> also appears to have stopped all further oxidation, and no sign of
> laurencite disease. I am not able to perform this process without the
> final polish, so I get stuck with a shiny meteorite. I have seen
> people go another step to remove the shine, I just kind of like it for
> now....
>
> And on another note: As Joe Dirt said to Kickin wing, "Well that might
> be your problem, its not what you like, its the consumer". I have
> shown rusty irons to people who scowl, and exclaim "why do you think its
> a meteorite!" But when I show them a polished Iron their faces light up
> in utter amazement, and will often offer $1 gram or more for
> them...........Just something to consider.
>
> Please check out the photos on photo bucket, and let me know your
> honest opinions. If the consensus is that this is an EVIL thing to do to
> a meteorite I will surly take it into consideration. No doubt it will
> make some frown, and give some hope to others.
>
>
>
> Bill Hall
>
> http://s680.photobucket.com/albums/vv162/meteoritepictures/
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Received on Wed 08 Apr 2009 01:20:00 PM PDT