[meteorite-list] Guide to "Newbies" (was Meteorites & Competition)

From: Mark Bowling <minador_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 07:30:23 -0800 (PST)
Message-ID: <538019.80725.qm_at_web54507.mail.re2.yahoo.com>

> From: Mark Bowling <minador at yahoo.com>
> Subject: Guide to "Newbies" (was Meteorites & Competition)
> To: "Adam" <meteorite-list at meteoritecentral.com>, "Adam Hupe" <raremeteorites at yahoo.com>
> Date: Saturday, November 14, 2009, 11:16 PM


Dear List,
 
I think Adam has some great points. I think people forget how rare these things are. Prices often don't reflect that.
 
I think people are more likely to give advice when a "newbie" asks something like, I've ruined several slices trying to do such & such, I've tried A and B, what else should I do. it shows that they're paying their dues, but need a little advice which they can probably absorb quickly, saving an "expert's" time. The sad thing is that a few slices/specimens have been ruined (maybe from "cheap, common NWA" material, but very rare, finite material nonetheless).
 
How do you balance the protection of trade secrets and your business vs. the ideal of preserving this wonderful material? I suppose there are techniques which are common in parallel fields like lapidary, which one can assume they'll figure it out the hard way (both hard on their time/wallet but also hard on meteorites). I would say one should be somewhat eager to help in that case, since keeping quiet won't deter them but only make possible the damage of more specimens. However, offering help takes precious time, busy people lack.
 
What about the possibility of a guidebook highlighting some of these "common" things? The first person(s) with the ability to write said tome could profit from the book sales, and many novices would benefit from the tips. Sensitive trade secrets could be mentioned by name and the disclaimer given that you will have to experiment at the peril of your collection and finances - or maybe find a willing mentor.

The book would have to be relatively comprehensive - covering the common things which can be found in a lapidary book, but from a meteorite point of view (there might be possibility of tips like "it's wise to practice this technique using sandstone(?) because it approximates XYZ meteorites very well, and you can rest assured that your learning curve isn't busting the bank"). And it would also cover the meteorites specific topics like chemicals/oils to avoid, etc. Maybe some explanations of the different textures you will encounter in meteorites. Maybe a section on thin sections, epoxy plugs, and ?

There might be room for general things like an explanation meteorite classifications, collecting strategies, strategies for documenting a collection of specimens, a list of common vendors, etc. There are lots of interesting, useful things that could be added that I can't imagine. Of course, you would have to have environmental, health and safety concerns highlighted and repeated throughout the book!
 
I know this may sound a little out in left field, but it would help with the overall conservation of specimens and/or reduce poor, albeit, harmless results (as well as be an opportunity to make some money). Could it result in increased completion? Probably so, but those rushing head long into the wilderness probably can't be stopped anyway. And those who are inspired by the book may take a stab at it, but realize it's expensive, hard work and go back to only buying/trading/collecting. This book may exist, but I don't think so. I can think of a few books which explain etching and nickel testing, but I can't think of anything which comprehensively covers the preservation and preparation of meteorite specimens.
 
Personally, I will always choose to buy from a handful of dealers held in high regard, who have invaluable reputations to protect (or middlemen I trust as friends I can trust). And some field hunters I know. I've decided to avoid attractive specimens of questionable pedigree, unless I'm willing to make the often expensive choice to advertise them as "believed to be XYZ specimen". So this book would not cause the big dealers to lose my (rare) business. When a "newbie" asks a question, you can point them to the "Bible".

So what do you guys think? Crazy? Brilliant? (Someone with too much time on his hands tonight?) Is this an issue that's already on the IMCA "to-do" list? Is this not commercially viable?

(Cricket chirping??) ;-)

Clear skies,
Mark


> --- On Sat, 11/14/09, Adam Hupe
> <raremeteorites at yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>
> From: Adam Hupe <raremeteorites at yahoo.com>
> Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] Meteorites & Competition
> To: "Adam"
> <meteorite-list at meteoritecentral.com>
> Date: Saturday, November 14, 2009, 1:29 PM
>
>
> Dear List,
>
>
> I think it is crazy to talk about corporate greed and
> meteorites at the same time. There are much simpler ways of
> earning money than chasing and selling meteorites.? You
> have to have a love for these rocks to engage at this
> level.? The overhead is astonishing while the returns
> are unpredictable in an incredibly thin market.? Risk
> management doesn't exist.
>
> I believe more corporate involvement is needed to push this
> avocation to the next level.? The IMCA is a perfect
> example of a positive corporate influence on a mostly
> misunderstood hobby. What lacks the most right now is
> customer service and value added reselling. Most new dealers
> do not even polish out the saw marks on slices, let alone
> polish both sides. Collectors pay for both sides of a
> complete slice, not just one. It is disrespectful to cut a
> meteorite and then not complete the job. A good polish is
> more important for reasons
> beyond aesthetics. Certification is the most important
> aspect of collecting and is consistently lacking when
> dealing with meteorites. One just needs to look at coins,
> baseball cards and most other collectibles to see they are
> nearly worthless without it.?
>
> In virtually ever other collectibles market, there are
> standards in place thanks to corporate interest.? These
> days, some uninformed elements treat meteorites like
> commodities that are renewable.???Nothing
> could be further from the truth. The lack of appreciation
> for these rarities is really on full display during these
> hard times.? People forget that meteorites are millions
> of time rarer than gold that currently maintains a price of
> around $35.00/gram.? May I remind you that now only
> about 1/20th the amount of meteorites by weight is all that
> is coming out of Moroccan compared to just five years ago
> according to my calculations. It will not be long before the
> non-available Antarctic meteorites regain the volume title
> once again.
>
> I do appreciate the real nomadic meteorite hunters from
> Morocco and surrounding countries.? In my opinion, they
> are the best in world. It is what happens to meteorites
> after they leave the finders hands that concerns me.
>
> Standards, proper appreciation and corporate involvement
> are key to the long-term future.? I see a business-like
> environment helping in all of these regards.? ?
> Collectors deserve to have their investments protected.
>
> All the best,
>
> Adam
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Received on Sun 15 Nov 2009 10:30:23 AM PST