[meteorite-list] a reply to Hupe and Farmer

[stan .]

>As a relatively new collector I could be missing the point.  But, isn't 
>true that a "rock" does not become a meteorite, (Lunar, Martian, or 
>anything else), until a scientist says so and assigns a number or name?
>
>If this is true, then it would be untruthful for anyone, especially a 
>dealer, to say "I have a Lunar meteorite" until it has been verified.


not at all. the process of assigning a name or number has nothing to do with 
a rock being or not being a meteorite - or any type of meteorite for that 
matter. havign a rock looked at by a researcher and assigned a name is like 
having a rare coin slabbed by PCGS - or a diamond to the GIA -  it's a way 
of TRYING to guarantee the authenticy of what a rock may be - i say TRY 
because even the researchers get it wrong some times - and some times the 
researchers cant agree as to the systematics of classification due to the 
larger and larger base of experience of meteorite classification that has 
come about by the proliferation of interesting new discoveries of the last 
few decades.

if someone has reasonable evidence to think a stone is a lunar meteorite 
there is no reason why it cant be sold as such, although in the inrest of 
full disclosure such evidence should be openly disclosed to the buyer so 
that they can make an infomed decision on the classification of the stone - 
even if there is no 'official' classification or name/number