[meteorite-list] Contamination during cutting - what impact does it have on analysis?

[Ryan Weidert]

Hi Mike,
    I just was reading last night about how they cut the Antarctic
meteorites and they did a study on what is imparted to the meteorite
from the blade (they don't use any coolants while cutting). Diamonds
and some of the metal does smear and stick to the meteorite. Here's
the link to the article (half way down the page).
http://www-curator.jsc.nasa.gov/antmet/bandsaws.cfm

The study also found traces of "organic" compounds that were
contamination due to the plastic bags they used. Everything at some
level is a contaminant, but I'd think certain obvious things are
noticed and disregarded. NASA uses a nitrogen cabinet to store and cut
their meteorites to prevent oxidation. Yes, they are more concerned
about contamination due to the 'pristine' nature of their meteorites
(no or little contamination from air pollution etc), but it still
happens.

I agree that water must do something to the chemistry, but not a clue what.

-cheers,
ryan