Is this a meteorite. Help needed

[Hank2]

Hi everyone,

Just inquiring if this is an iron meteorite? It passes all the home tests but I’m just looking for an experienced eye to examine it further

 

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[Rookster]

A definite maybe. Congrats

 

[galenrog]

No, I do not believe it is. What characteristics does it have that indicate it is a meteorite?

Simply stating that it passes all home tests is meaningless, unless you state what those tests are and what the individual results are.

When I did lapidary, I helped identify several meteorites by cutting and polishing portions of suspect rocks. Most suspect rocks, well over 95%, were just that. Rocks.

If you really want to know, toss all the armchair quarterback opinions aside, including mine, and take the rock to a qualified professional, who has extensive experience identifying meteorites. This typically means a Museum or University that actually has a lab dedicated to meteorite identification.

Time for more coffee.

 

[Hank2]

galenrog, instead of saying it’s not, please proceed to provide evidence as to why it is not. I would like clarification on the subject

 

[galenrog]

I do not know what home tests you performed, so I can not form an opinion based on that. Based only on the images provided, it does not resemble any meteorite I have seen, but could be any of several metallic ores.

The central problems for me are the shiny surface and the interior. I would expect a meteorite to have a darker surface due to a combination of heat and oxidation from passing through our atmosphere. I would also expect to see oriented flow lines on the exposed surface. Both are characteristics of a fusion crust.

The interior appears to have a multitude of tiny gas pockets. Something that frequently forms in terrestrial rocks, but not meteorites.

I would still like to know what characteristics your rock has that lead you to believe it may be a meteorite.

If if you want to believe it is a meteorite, that is fine.

Too late for more coffee.

 

[Charl]

If you're looking for an experienced eye to examine it further, then you need to put it in somebody's hands, don't you, and not expect confirmation from photographs. I've been collecting for about 35 years, and I'm doubting it is a meteorite. I sure would not expect to see those vesicles in a genuine meteorite, anyway.

 

[galenrog]

“Vesicles”! That is the word my stroke addled brain was looking for! Thank you, Charl.

Past time for more coffee.

 

[Terry Soloman]

I don't believe it is. While it looks good, you can get stung. I've seen pallasite and chondrite, as well as iron meteorites from your neck of the woods. I, nor anyone else, can tell without examining it. Have it checked by your university geology department.