[meteorite-list] Magnet canes are evil

[Meteorites USA]

Curious about the magnetic properties of meteorites as well. We all know 
that you can magnetize metal just by placing it near a powerful magnet.

I read yesterday in Richard Kowalski's post about Brother Guy 
Consolmagno's visit to Tucson. Dr Concolmagno's research also includes 
the study of magnetic properties of meteorites. I'm sure he's not the 
only person to study these properties, but it got me to thinking about 
it. If one does in fact use a magnet cane on a meteorite, do you impart 
any magnetic field into the meteorite? I would think yes, even if it is 
small on a scale only readable by the most powerful equipment.

My question is does it cause problems with analyzing/testing? Is this a 
form of contamination?

My question would of course then be... Why use a magnetic cane at all?

If you think about it, we're "taught" NOT to remove a meteorite from 
it's original location until we get in-situ photos, and record GPS 
coordinates of the find. If you use a magnetic cane, the meteorite will 
be removed from it's ancient resting place as it "snaps" onto the magnet.

Eric




On 8/24/2010 10:10 AM, Matson, Robert D. wrote:
> Mark wrote:
>
>    
>> As soon as everyone stops using metal detectors and magnet canes
>> to look for meteorites then the first Lunars in Europe or USA
>> will eventually be found, .... until then!
>>      
> I have never used a magnet cane, nor will I ever, and I always
> advise new hunters against their use. A magnet cane is basically
> an H-, L-, iron, and stony-iron filter. I sometimes carry an LL6
> with me to the desert on the off-chance I'll run into someone using
> a magnet cane. That usually "cures" them. ;-)
>
> --Rob
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