[meteorite-list] correction to non-magnetic meteorite question

From: Michael Gilmer <meteoritemike_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Tue, 24 May 2011 15:58:27 -0400
Message-ID: <BANLkTi=Nturi3D8bKbOJJscW_CETXvhG1Q_at_mail.gmail.com>

Hi David,

When cutting meteorites (or suspected meteorites), use distilled water
only has a saw coolant/lubricant. Using anything else invites
contamination and instability in the specimen.

I own a large N52 rare earth magnet. It's quite powerful, and small
metal objects will fly across the table and stick it from several
inches away. This type of magnet will detect the smallest metal
content in a specimen that small magnets will miss. However, be
careful, the larger magnets can be dangerous if you hand or fingers
get caught between the magnet and a metal object. Not to mention,
keep it away from your laptop and grandpa's pacemaker.

The largest rare earth magnets are so powerful, they will attract
iron-enriched food items, like dog kibbles!

Do you have any photos of your specimen, or did you post them already
and I missed it?

Best regards,

MikeG

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On 5/24/11, David Gunning <davidgunning at fairpoint.net> wrote:
> Thanks to all who responded to my non-magnetic meteorite question.
>
> With a total weight of 27.37 grams the specimen in question has a direct
> measured specific gravity of 2.59.
>
> This would seem to rule-out both basalt (s.g. 2.7-3.1) and Tatahouine, a
> Diogenite with a specific gravity range of at about 3.30 to 3.47.
>
> In rechecking the magnetic value, for the first time with a super magnet
> hanging from a string and carefully bringing the specimen to the magnet,
> I can see there is a ever-so-slight magnetic attraction which I had not
> previously noticed and detected.
>
> This is an important lesson for me: ALWAYS DOUBLE CHECK MAGNETIC VALUES
> WITH A SUPER MAGNET HANGING FROM A THREAD!
>
> Also rechecked my Tatahouine specimen and, LO and Behold, this, too, has
> an ever-so-slight magnetic attraction. You might want to take note of
> this info, Pete at pshuger at messengersfromthecosmos.com.
>
> The s.g and slight magnetic attraction of this specimen suggests that
> this may be a type CM Carbonaceous Chondrite, according to the printed
> values published in the 2002 paper by Britt and Consolmagno, I suppose.
>
> I'm thinking of cutting this specimen. Anyone on the list able to
> suggest the preferred lubricant to minimize potential contamination
> issues?
>
> Again, thanks to everyone who took time to offer their insights on my
> little mystery stone.
>
> I wouldn't have had a clue, otherwise!
>
> Best wishes to all,
>
> David Gunning
>
>
>
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--

Received on Tue 24 May 2011 03:58:27 PM PDT