[meteorite-list] more data

[Peter A Shugar]

Mike,
Consider this. When the meteorite or iron comes into  the magnetic field of
the magnet, it is attracted
to the magnet. This could be construed as the first stroke of the piece on
the magnet. The piece needs to be stroked in the same direction a number of
times to become a magnet, so with only the "one" stroke,
it would leave the piece very slightly magnetic !!
Magnetite is a naturally occurring mineral that is already magnetic. It's
attracted to the magnet,and the orientation of the magnetite will be such
that its polarity is the opposite of the pole on the magnet.
As to the 'slightly magnetic" meteorite, remember the above, it's the first
"stroke".
Also, the heat of the entry into the atmosphere will kill any magnetism of
the meteorite.
Lastly, the shock of the material being ejected from the parent body will
also kill the magnetism.
This can be demonstrated by simply taking a magnet and bashing it very ,
very hard with a sledge hammer.
The one blow may not kill all the magnetism, but it surely will be a weaker
magnet.
This causes the aligned molecules of the magnet to be scrambled, thus
destroying the magnet.
Naturally occurring magnetic meteorite----No.
Pete