[meteorite-list] ASU suspends public meteorite identification program

From: tracy latimer <daistiho_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Wed, 8 Sep 2010 21:59:05 +0000
Message-ID: <SNT120-W126B5AAE5CCCD134C9CD99CA720_at_phx.gbl>

Several years back, Dr. Garvie was kind enough to confirm that the 'meteorite' I had received from an ebay seller was in fact slag. I was 95% sure beforehand it was a meteorwrong, but it was good to have it confirmed. I'm sorry that the influx of manure has made it necessary for this benefit to be ended, but I can completely understand.
 
Having some type of pre-screening by knowledgeable List members for a reasonable fee might be a good service. The major labs could establish a 'white list' of screeners, where a note accompanying the alleged meteorite could be used to get the rock out of the slush pile. The rest could be returned with a generic letter, "We're sorry, but we no longer offer free evaluation of potential meteorites..." Is it even cost effective to return said rocks without an accompanying SASE? Will this even slightly divert the crazies with their multi-ton Mars Rock from God?
 
Best!
Tracy Latimer
Received on Wed 08 Sep 2010 05:59:05 PM PDT