[meteorite-list] NASA Rover Finds Meteorite on Surface of Mars

[Matson, Robert]

Hi All,

Regarding the probable (?) meteorite on Mars, I would think there
would be some other test(s) that could be performed to confirm the
object is a nickel/iron meteorite -- aside from depending on the
IR spectrometer.  Don't suppose they thought to bring a little
hand magnet along. ;-)  Actually, assuming it is indeed an iron
meteorite, a strong magnet aboard could be hazardous -- might
get stuck there!

Since they weren't willing to risk damaging/destroying the
rock abrasion tool, did they have any other instruments aboard
that could have been used in a clever way (perhaps in combination
with each other) to confirm the object is metallic?  Electrical
conductivity, for instance?  --Rob