[meteorite-list] Rust Question about my stone meteorite. BKF is the best :)

[Adam Hupe]

Hi List,

Most museums and notable collections realize that proper preparation is the key 
to preservation.  Slices should be polished on both sides to reduce surface area 
which can and will trap moisture. A properly applied polish is the most 
important step in preserving any cut meteorite that contains metal. Tap water 
containing chlorine should never be used in the cutting or polishing processes. 
They should be stored in an area that doesn't experience huge temperature 
swings.  Specimens do better in very low humidity. A lacquer coating should 
never be applied.  Some less knowledgeable dealers apply a lacquer coating as a 
shortcut.  Although, it may make the specimen look more desirable, it will never 
provide a substitute for a professionally applied polish. As a mater of fact, it 
actually traps moisture inside the specimen, will yellow over the years and is 
just plain bad.

I learned the hard way.  I had a several thousand dollar Brenham Pallasite 
dissolve into a pile of crap in a few short years.  The slice actually flexed 
when I remove it from the safe.  The only thing holding it together was the 
lacquer coating which held long enough for me to throw the specimen into a trash 
can.   I was so disgusted that I never purchased from that dealer again.

Hope this helps,

Adam