[Outbackmanyep]

Originally Posted by MrB

I've always wanted to go somewhere and try hunting, but don't really know what to look for!

Hi there,
Meteorites have different characteristics from earthly minerals, meteorites usually have a dark black exterior from ablation from atmospheric entry. Iron meteorites are black and unusually heavy, and have regmaglypts (like dents) in the outer surface. There is no set pattern in which to find them, they can be found anywhere! I have a book that shows "Australites" ie: tektites, found in the desert regions of SA , NT and WA.

Stony Meteorites have the same ablative appearance, but their granular make-up consist of Chondrules. Chondrules are rounded silicate grains formed in the early solar nebula....so if you find a stone with a jet black exterior, check for signs of ablation and make note of the find, photographs in situ and geometric position etc. Then get onto your nearest university geology dept to have it tested!
If the stone is broken then a low power magnifying glass or loupe will be needed to see if it consists of rounded silicate grains.
There are hundreds of different variations of Iron, Stony and Stony-Iron meteorites. I wouldn't advise busting up a find as it can decrease its scientific and monetary value quite significantly!

But its far easier to buy them than to find one!!!
You can attend gem shows and usually you'll find someone with them, i am going to Minerama in Glen Innes NSW and there is a guy from Victoria that sells meteorites there....they can range from 15 to 20 dollars to 500+ dollars......depending on their rarity and size!

Cheers!