[meteorite-list] Just out of curiousity

[Darren Garrison]

On Mon, 20 Nov 2006 15:48:25 -0800 (PST), you wrote:

>they make a rough guess at density based on how it
>feels and how big it looks to them.  But what about

Density-- get a graduated cylinder of sufficient size.  Fill it partially with
fine sand (maybe aquarium sand).  Note the level of the sand.  Bury the
meteorite completely in the sand.  Record the difference.  That's the volume of
the meteorite.  Then weigh it, and devide mass by volume.  That'll give you
density.  (Anyone have a better method than this?)

>the fusion crust?  How do they optimally decide to get
>through this, to take a look, how do they decide where
>to take the sample from for identification, etc.

If you don't have a saw, find a flat area and sand/file off a small window in
the crust.