[meteorite-list] Fusion Crust on Irons

[MARK BOSTICK]

John asked "Does anyone besides me believe that many of the Sikhote-Alin 
irons have
been "doctored" to look better than they really are?"

Yes, I would say most experienced collectors understand they have been 
doctored. Also, it appears to me the doctoring about five years ago, when 
Sikhotes were still $3-4 a gram, was much better then the doctoring I have 
seen the last three years. The newer prepared pieces will often start having 
their "crust" chip off before you bright them home.

"I've seen pictures of some of these beautiful specimens right out of the 
ground and they are pretty rusty."

A piece of iron left on the ground in region that commonly snows becomes 
covered in rust within a few years. Sikhote-Alin fell over 50 years.

Collectors should not let this frustrate them.  Just think, how many irons 
do you have in your collection.  Now how many of them are falls?  It took 50 
years before Sikhote's started appearing on the market in mass, and from 
what I have seen, the days of mass Sikhote's are pretty much over. Russia 
has really cracked down on the export of meteorites. We are lucky to have 
had the chance to pick up a pieces at prices they have been available

I like the button shaped ones...

http://www.meteoritearticles.com/colsikhoteheats1.html


Clear Skies,
Mark Bostick
www.meteoritearticles.com