[meteorite-list] A gem among weathered unclassified orphans?

[Göran Axelsson]

Free iron would be even more attracted to a magnet then magnetite. 
Hematite isn't attracted to a magnet.
Sulphides can also look like metal grains.

Mineralogy and geology is so much easier with a good microscope. I would 
try to scratch the surface of the grains with a needle and watch it 
under a microscope while doing it. Then it is fairly easy to determine 
the hardness of the grains. Sulfides and oxides are relatively easy to 
crack or scratch. Metal usually smears a bit when cut or scratched.

/Göran

Phil Morgan skrev 2011-07-27 20:16:
> Thanks for the responses.
>
> Here is one more picture taken more straight-on if anyone is
> interested.  Gives a better feel for the actual color:
> http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c57/pkmorgan/postingpics/achond1.jpg
>
> I know it's a long-shot but there are tiny grains of bright, shiny,
> silver metal. I would say magnetic attraction is slightly less than
> the average LL.
>
> Would hematite or something in the family contain free iron grains?
> Even if so, wouldn't they be fairly strongly attracted to a magnet?
>
> Thanks again - always something new to learn and explore,
> Phil
>
> On Tue, Jul 26, 2011 at 2:17 PM, Phil Morgan<roxfromspace at gmail.com>  wrote:
>> I recently cut a small stone that came in a batch of unclassified NWA
>> material.  Looks to be an achondrite of some sort and was wondering if
>> anyone had any ideas of what it might be.  The white pinpoints in the
>> photo are tiny flecks of iron.  No definitive fusion crust - a small
>> patch of either wind polish/desert varnish or transparent crust but
>> the tiny flecks of iron are certainly encouraging.
>>
>> photo is posted at:
>> http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c57/pkmorgan/postingpics/achond2.jpg
>>
>> I'm the curious sort and any observations are much appreciated.
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Phil
>>
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