[meteorite-list] Lost 2005 Hammer Fall - Montney - Will it ever be an offical recongized fall?

[Chris Spratt]

Hi Mike:

Probably not. The main mass remains in private hands,  and the 
Geological Survey of Canada Research section which deals with meteorites
has done little work on it. A tentative classification of H6? was given 
soon after the fall. Other than that,  nothing has been done.

There are 14 other "unrecognized" meteorites, (all are finds),  from 
Canada that have yet to be officially published. Many of the main masses of
these finds remain in private hands, thus are not readily available for 
research. Many have been unofficially classified by researchers with 
nothing published.

Some,  like the 1972 iron find from Quebec (Chibougamau) have been 
classified (in this case an IAB) but again not officially published,  
although the main mass of this particular find rests in a Montreal 
Museum.  I have no idea why it hasn't been published after all these 
years. Could be done easily if an interested researcher takes the time. 
The museum may be interested in doing this themselves given the right prod.

The Lone Island Lake IAB 2005 find from Manitoba was scientifically 
classified but for some reason not submitted to the MetBul by the 
classifier. Well weathered fragments of this iron were legally exported 
to a dealer in the US, as institutes in Canada showed little interest in 
acquiring any. The same goes for the main mass of the Pinawa (Manitoba) 
IAB 2004 find. Officially classified but not published in the MetBul but 
available for sale with a proper export permit already available. Big 
bucks for askin price but ready for cutting and distribution.

On other hand the 2009 H4  Redwater Alberta a well weathered find (TKW 
230 grams), was quickly submitted to a research facility in Alberta,  
classified, and published in the MetBul #98. The main mass remains with 
the finder, the research facilty has a TS and the classification 
specimen. I have about 0.5 grams in my private collection. So not 
readily available to collectors.

The 2009 Grimsby  H5 fall was quickly classified and published in the 
MetBul #97. Being a well observed fall over a populated area generated a 
great deal of scientific interest.

Usually falls that drop a number of specimens are quickly studied. The 
Montney chondrite fall , despite being a "hammer", landed in a rather 
remote farming area of British Columbia. The small main mass and 
fragments (TKW 0.15 kg)  didn't attract much attention from researchers 
and meteorite hunters. More may be found, but as the local area weather 
in winter can be dreadful,   any additional specimens recovered may be 
very well weathered.

So don't expect any "new" meteorites from Canada to show up in the 
MetBul any time soon.

If you need more info  send a PM.


Chris. Spratt
Victoria, BC