[meteorite-list] Ethics question?

[Adam Hupe]

It depends on the meteorite. I find it acceptable to stabilize common meteorites 
with bonding agents before cutting if it looks like it will break apart during 
cutting.  One of the reasons is safety, the other is conservation.  I wouldn't 
want a 30 pound monster flying apart in the middle of a cut on the "Judge",a 24" 
Highlands Park Saw.  This saw can bring on tremendous pressure to ensure 
consistent cutting speeds which are important to near flawless cuts.  I usually 
dissolve the bonding agent after the cut if I feel the piece will stay together 
long-term.   I always note if a specimen has been permanently stabilized but 
tend to avoid meteorites that require it.  I rarely cut puzzle meteorites 
because they tend to damage blades and require a lot more work.  The main thing 
is to use bonding agents that can be completely dissolved later if future study 
is necessary. 


Every specimen used in thin-section making is stabilized the same way using an 
optically correct epoxy before preparation.  The main thing is to conserve 
material the best way possible.  


One time a long time ago when I was naive to such things, I was temporary fooled 
by a meteorite in a dark Moroccan mud-hut.  I saw what looked like a thick glass 
vein running throughout the shiny-black meteorite and purchased it on the spot. 
I later looked at it under a microscope and saw bubbles in the "glass vein". I 
then probed it with an explorer tool and found that it was soft like Elmer's 
glue. To make matters worse, the shinny black crust turned out to be 
shoe-polish.

I sure wish the Moroccan dealer would have been honest in the first place. As it 
stands, I will never purchase a piece from this particular dealer again who 
preys on tired travelers. I would have never suspected such treatment in the 
Sahara desert but learned quickly that their are unscrupulous people all over 
the world.  It was my fault for trusting him.  I felt stupid for not checking it 
out better in the first place but a 1/2 day jet lag and lack of sleep will 
effect proper judgment.

If he would have simply mentioned the fact that it had been treated, I would 
probably still being doing business with him. 



Happy Hunting and watch out for glue veins,

Adam