[meteorite-list] NWA's

[Michael Farmer]

Larry, this is the problem I was getting at.
I will tell you the simple solution, buy the meteorite from the dealer who 
had it classified, then there can be no error.
Mike Farmer
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Larry Harrison" <L_Harrison at infostations.com>
To: <meteorite-list at meteoritecentral.com>
Sent: Wednesday, November 24, 2004 9:54 AM
Subject: [meteorite-list] NWA's


> Greetings List,
>
> I am but a small time collector (>200 specimens). However, I cherish my 
> small example of the evolution of the solar system. I am also an astronomy 
> educator. I always include meteorites in my lectors AND I am always asked 
> "how do you know if it is really a meteorite? My answer: Irons are simple 
> to recognize, and I explain the widmanstatten figure and how it forms. 
> Stones on the other hand require analysis especially when chondrules (I 
> explain chondrules) are not easily visible. In those cases it is very 
> important to know your source. I have always made it clear that I only 
> deal with reputable dealers.
>
> The posts of late have put a very large question in my mind about who is 
> reputable. The saddest part is that many reputable dealers are being 
> scamed by the Nomads. I prefer to collect the rarest of the rare. And this 
> is where most of the scams are being made.  My absolute certainty of the 
> authenticity of my collection is now in question! I do not question that 
> any piece in my collection is or isn't a meteorite, but that it is not the 
> specimen type that I think it is. I have always been more than excited 
> about the immense number of new and rare meteorites coming out of the 
> Sahara. If not for these finds I could never afford as many 
> representations of the early solar system or of the achondrites of lessor 
> differentiated bodies. I am crushed, uncertain and totally confused! What 
> to do? Since I am not a big time buyer, my reluctance to purchase further 
> NWA's will not hurt any of you. However, I feel that I am Mr. Average. If 
> this mess curbs my desire to purchase more meteorites, I assure you it is 
> doing the same to many more. This is the saddest moment in my 20 years of 
> meteorite collecting.
>
> Thanks for letting me vent,
>
> Harrison
>
>
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