[meteorite-list] Point of Diminishing returns (Slice thickness)?

[Adam Hupe]

There is a point that a specimen will easily break if cut too thin.  Some 
material can be cut to 1mm thick but cutting losses can mount up to over 60% 
even when using a wire saw after applying a polish. We had over 50% cutting loss 
on Martian meteorite NWA 1195 which was cut on a diamond wafer saw and then 
diamond lapped on both sides. I think a 2 to 2.5mm cut is reasonable on most 
ultra rare material if polished on both sides.  The thickness has to be greater 
on friable material like Nakhlites otherwise you will receive a pile of crumbs.  
It also has to be thicker on large specimens to support the weight on a display 
easel.

Most collectors go by the price per gram first so dealers who cut ultra-thin 
will take a loss when weight is the main consideration.  I know that the 
weight-to-surface area ratio is a secondary consideration for most collectors 
due to experience.

There are other factors like a decent polish being applied, proper preparation 
and specimen status including provenance that can affect price.


Best Regards,

Adam


 



----- Original Message ----
From: Richard Kowalski <damoclid at yahoo.com>
To: meteorite list <meteorite-list at meteoritecentral.com>
Sent: Mon, March 7, 2011 3:08:41 PM
Subject: [meteorite-list] Point of Diminishing returns (Slice thickness)?

These discussions about aesthetics of specimens vs their weight is rather 
interesting, but it seems the lines of the subject are a bit blurred.

It seems the subject has come to comparing fragments to slices. I'm not sure 
this is a fair comparison, but I understand it.

I am wondering what others think represents a point of diminishing returns in 
making a slice paper thin. IOW at what point does cutting losses become too 
great to make the aesthetic function of the prep & price excessive?

I guess I don't understand the desire for some ultra-thin prepped specimens. For 
example, if a ultra-thin 1mm thick slice is being sold for the equivalent $80 
per gram, and a slice of the exact same material, the exact same size, but 4 
times the weight (4mm thick) is being offered at the exact same price, I'd be 
inclined to purchase the latter.

I understand the appeal of of thinner specimens and of course you can polish a 
slice so finely it becomes a thin section, but is there some point where the 
prep becomes so costly that is is in fact "too thin" for the buyer?

Thanks 


--
Richard Kowalski
Full Moon Photography
IMCA #1081


      
______________________________________________
Visit the Archives at http://www.meteoritecentral.com/mailing-list-archives.html
Meteorite-list mailing list
Meteorite-list at meteoritecentral.com
http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list