[meteorite-list] Re: 13.5 kg lunar (Significance)

[MexicoDoug at aol.com]

Jeff wrote:

>No, and I do not know the whole story, and do hope 
>I was wrong in my 'stingy' comment. But a cut was 
>made, this much for the science - this much for grandma.
> Were I to stumble over a lunar, I think I'd place the cut 
>differently - but that's a decision I'd have to be extremely 
>lucky to ever get a chance at making.

Jeff, thanks, that is a  much more accurate statement - neither of us knows 
the whole story.  The 20  gram specimen has nothing to do with the total given 
for research.  We  simply don't know that either.  The reason the amount is 20 
g is because it  is the type specimen and that is what is expected of a type 
specimen - and  frequently less.  Why even accuse the finder of possible 
stinginess at this  point, with the barrage of test it is evident material has 
already been  through?  

Of the 35 or so Lunar named meteorites, many have 1  gram-range type 
specimens.  This person has given up nearly 50 grams of  Lunar material we can be 
pretty sure.  And so far hasn't opted to  commercialize any! I would think we 
shouldn't go about accusing them of  unsurpassed stinginess!!  What do you think 
the owner (US Gov't) of the  second biggest Moon rock of 11.7 Kg would say if 
we asked they cut it up and  tell everyone right away about it, just to be sure 
enough was there to go around  so no one would tell them they are stingy?  
Can we let them decide what  research proposals are worthy?  This is why I 
posted my response.  The  fact remains that this is the largest Lunar rock known on 
the planet, and is  only lightly weathered, and apparantly has a nice fusion 
crust.  There is  something to be said about complete stones, if only their 
meteoritical beauty,  their curves, orientation, their textures, maybe even flow 
lines.  In this  case the size alone is a big question and maintaining the 
stone as true to  original may actually be the best move science could hope for 
in preparation for  future study...It has made it 4.4 Billion years (?) so 
far.  But how did it  stay together and make it from Moon to Earth?  That's an  
interesting question...Let's wait more than an instant before insulting the  
finder.  Possession is everything, whoever has the meteorites, makes the  
rules...and as long as they are in a good mood, things usually go well.  Of  what 
use is a groundless insult in a public forum (probably) without their  
knowledge?  Rather than expressing your hope you are wrong, our shared awe  of Lunar 
material, wouldn't it be more useful to express a little apology  if the finder 
happens to be listening.
PS - I hope you do find a massive Lunar and do get to make that  decision!
Saludos, Doug