[meteorite-list] "How Do You Know It's A Meteorite"?

[Chris Peterson]

>   My answer is very simple - "we don't know until a reputable lab says
> so".

I think that's a little extreme. There are certainly questionable 
meteorites that need expert analysis, but most meteorites can be 
identified as such with essentially 100% certainty by nearly anybody 
with some experience in meteoritics, by simple physical examination 
alone.

Chris

*****************************************
Chris L Peterson
Cloudbait Observatory
http://www.cloudbait.com


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Greg Redfern" <gredfern at earthlink.net>
To: "'AL Mitterling'" <almitt at kconline.com>; 
<meteorite-list at meteoritecentral.com>
Cc: "'Thomas Webb'" <webbth1 at yahoo.com>
Sent: Monday, April 07, 2008 1:20 PM
Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] "How Do You Know It's A Meteorite"?


> Hello All,
>
>   My answer is very simple - "we don't know until a reputable lab says
> so".
>
> If the questioner has need for further response I am glad to do so by
> using some of the techniques described by our esteemed colleagues on
> this list. If the individual(s) is rational and not in a lather about
> how it is a meteorite regardless and the wealth and fame that is to
> follow, this works pretty well.
>
> All the best.
>
> Greg Redfern