[meteorite-list] Contamination during cutting - what impact does it have on analysis?
From: Ryan Weidert <ryan.weidert_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Tue, 18 May 2010 11:55:50 -0700 Message-ID: <AANLkTilkUf13dICT05PzMcpFpc8GB4VvyIZ7Gd-vtnOX_at_mail.gmail.com> Hi Mike, I just was reading last night about how they cut the Antarctic meteorites and they did a study on what is imparted to the meteorite from the blade (they don't use any coolants while cutting). Diamonds and some of the metal does smear and stick to the meteorite. Here's the link to the article (half way down the page). http://www-curator.jsc.nasa.gov/antmet/bandsaws.cfm The study also found traces of "organic" compounds that were contamination due to the plastic bags they used. Everything at some level is a contaminant, but I'd think certain obvious things are noticed and disregarded. NASA uses a nitrogen cabinet to store and cut their meteorites to prevent oxidation. Yes, they are more concerned about contamination due to the 'pristine' nature of their meteorites (no or little contamination from air pollution etc), but it still happens. I agree that water must do something to the chemistry, but not a clue what. -cheers, ryan Received on Tue 18 May 2010 02:55:50 PM PDT |
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