[meteorite-list] Sweaty Fingers, Chlorides, and Chondrites

[Stephen McMann]

Dear List,

Over the past few years there has been much discussion about preserving
irons, but little discussion about rust prevention in ordinary chondrites.
However, chondrites can of course suffer from the same problems as irons,
presumably exacerbated by the same culprits (internal moisture, internal
chlorides, fingerprints from previous owners, etc.).  Unfortunately,
chondritis tend to be more complex chemically and so I'm not certain about
how to deal with these problems in a way that gives display specimens long,
stable lives.

Here are some naïve questions:

1.  Can one easily do more than just preventing future assaults from
external moisture and fingerprint chemicals?

2.  Will long soaks in anhydrous alcohol help individuals, and polished
slices?

3.  Has anyone successfully used Steve Schoener's iron stabilization formula
for individuals and polished slices of ordinary chondritis (i.e., a mix of
water, alcohol, and NaOH)?

4.  Does anybody know of a good online sources where an average Joe can
purchase anhydrous alcohol?

Sincerely,
Stephen McMann