Object from Nickel or some other metal

[woody50]

My friend Jan found this about 5 years ago, still does not know what it is. It was found in an ordinary field, nothing special. Maybe someone can help.

38 x 33 x 30 mm, weight is 150 grams

Description:
The object has five curved surfaces with one being slightly deepened.
Every curved surface has other angles, nothing is flat.
On the object are no signs of a fracture or anchorage point.
Material is nickel or stainless steel or maybe something else.
Found on the field in this condition, clean and no scratches.

 

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[aquachigger]

I like the looks of that. My first gut feeling was a well worn meteorite. I know we see what we want to see...but I guess as a loooong shot it could be one that has been smoothed by river wear or man. Is it attracted to a magnet and very heavy for it size? Probably the only way to know for sure is to cut it and examine the interior. If no one i.d.'s it here, maybe post it up on a meteorite forum?

 

[aquachigger]

That's much more likely. A scratch/rub test would tell.

 

[Lucas]

Nickel is magnetic.

 

[CRUSADER]

I had one of these, don't know where I put it, thought it might stack in one of those false gas fire places

 

[mankind]

I would like to buy it. Is it for sale? Please dont cut in to it. Thanks,Bryan.

 

[BioProfessor]

Nickle is not magnetic. Only ferrous metals are magnetic as found.

Daryl

 

[trikikiwi]

Sorry Mate, I thought the same, once upon a time.
Nickel, iron and cobalt are the only three elements known to be ferro-magnetic. Of the three, nickel is the least magnetic. When all three ferro-magnetic metals are alloyed together, an unusually strong magnet is created. This alloy conducts heat and electricity fairly well, but is not as good a conductor as pure silver or copper.
http://www.mii.org/Minerals/photonickl.html

Mike

 

[woody50]

Nickle is not magnetic. Only ferrous metals are magnetic as found.
Daryl

Your are just too quick for me, that is what I also wanted to say! Thanks.

 

[woody50]

Sorry Mate, I thought the same, once upon a time.
Nickel, iron and cobalt are the only three elements known to be ferro-magnetic. Of the three, nickel is the least magnetic. When all three ferro-magnetic metals are alloyed together, an unusually strong magnet is created. This alloy conducts heat and electricity fairly well, but is not as good a conductor as pure silver or copper.
http://www.mii.org/Minerals/photonickl.html

Mike

Hmmm, did not know that, thanks Mike!

 

[aquachigger]

Hey WOODY50...is it magnetic? The reason I jumped on the meteorite question so fast is that most hematite and magnetite that I have found usually has small cavities in it. Your rock doesn't appear to have any. Also, you mentioned nickle. Nickle is almost never found naturally occurring on the Earth surface and is found in almost all meteorites. Nickle is magnetic, and if this is an "iron" meteorite (with nickle present) it will be strongly magnetic and unusually heavy for a rock of its size. The presence of nickle in it would be VERY interesting. If it is a meteorite that has been worked by ancient man, then it will be extremely valuable. I am not an expert in any field, but I do know enough to get me in trouble! I'm probably off on a crazy tangent, but at least its a start. So...is it strongly magnetic?

 

[aquachigger]

Another thing... I can see some smudges on the second picture. Is that from a nickel test? If so, is it positive? Also, look at the rock very closely, perhaps under magnification. Does it appear to have small, shiny metal flakes in it? If so, that could be nickel flecks.

 

[woody50]

Another thing... I can see some smudges on the second picture. Is that from a nickel test? If so, is it positive? Also, look at the rock very closely, perhaps under magnification. Does it appear to have small, shiny metal flakes in it? If so, that could be nickel flecks.

It is magnetic, weak or strong I don't know yet.
Also you last question, flecks, will ask.
He would not have tested the metal rock.

I thought meteorites were dark lumpy things....

Earl

 

[aquachigger]

Hey Earl...the answer is yes and no. If you cut or polish an iron meteorite, it will be shiny like bare metal. A stony one will most likely still have nickel in it and be magnetic, but will look more like a normal rock if broken open. If you look at my profile picture, I'm holding a freshly fallen stony meteorite. The outside is black and crusty, but the inside is almost white. Let us know more if you get any answers. Thanks...Beau

 

[woody50]

Hey Earl...the answer is yes and no. If you cut or polish an iron meteorite, it will be shiny like bare metal. A stony one will most likely still have nickel in it and be magnetic, but will look more like a normal rock if broken open. If you look at my profile picture, I'm holding a freshly fallen stony meteorite. The outside is black and crusty, but the inside is almost white. Let us know more if you get any answers. Thanks...Beau

Hmmm, never knew that. Does the shiny bare metal remain clean (not oxidize?) after you cut it, or maybe asked another way, do you know what the metal is? This object looks just like a clump of stainless or nickel does not really tarnish, but is magnetic. I would think if it was a meteorite it would be more punched up or something seeing the thing would be soft when hitting the ground too. But interesting. I looked at your profile, but the tiny photo is just too small to see what you are holding. You did mention that you had something that looked like this object, can you show it? Thanks for your information.

 

[aquachigger]

Most "iron" meteorites are very solid and made up of mostly iron and nickel. If left outside they will turn rusty just like any iron tool. Attached are a couple of pictures of one of my meteorites that has been cut in half. Notice the texture and color appear to be consistent with your rock. Also notice the large depressions on the outside of my meteorite. They look like thumb prints. They are called "regmaglypts" (do a GIS). Your rock appears to have the same structure. This is very common in iron meteorites and not so much in terrestrial rocks. Also notice the small shiny specks in my meteorite. This is the nickle. Your rock almost appears to have the same specks. Again, a meteorite is a long shot. But if this rock is indeed iron and a magnet sticks to it with the same force as it does to a hammer in your toolbox, it is definitely worth investigating further. If your not convinced...send it to me. I like rocks...

 

[woody50]

Most "iron" meteorites are very solid and made up of mostly iron and nickel. If left outside they will turn rusty just like any iron tool. Attached are a couple of pictures of one of my meteorites that has been cut in half. Notice the texture and color appear to be consistent with your rock. Also notice the large depressions on the outside of my meteorite. They look like thumb prints. They are called "regmaglypts" (do a GIS). Your rock appears to have the same structure. This is very common in iron meteorites and not so much in terrestrial rocks. Also notice the small shiny specks in my meteorite. This is the nickle. Your rock almost appears to have the same specks. Again, a meteorite is a long shot. But if this rock is indeed iron and a magnet sticks to it with the same force as it does to a hammer in your toolbox, it is definitely worth investigating further. If your not convinced...send it to me. I like rocks...

The man has tested the 'rock' with a small magnet, it was just as strong as putting the magnet on an iron hammer. So I guess that is strong?

 

[aquachigger]

Yep, that's strong for a rock. Magnetite or hematite would normally have a much weaker attraction in comparison. Does you buddy want to sell or trade it? I'd be willing to take a chance on it without further testing. I can also trade American Civil War relics from the Antietam Battlefield area that I have found. Just PM me if so. Regardless, that's a neat find and if I can answer any other questions for you, fire away.

 

[BioProfessor]

Meteorites have a fusion crust. Don't see one.

If you slice it, it needs to be acid etched to reveal the unique structure of a meteorite.

Most common metal meteorites are iron/nickle not nickle/iron.

I would slice it and etch it. If it is a meteorite, that's the way to display it. If it's not, then you have two.

Daryl

 

[aquachigger]

Hey Daryl...you're right about the lack of fusion crust. Because of its shape, I am assuming that this rock had been rolled and polished in a stream bed, ancient or otherwise. That would remove all traces of a fusion crust. Everything you said is spot on. Happy hunting!