Quote:
Originally Posted by sjastro
Craig,
Nickel content in iron meteorites varies from about 5 to over 20%. This differentiates from man made iron objects where the nickel content is zero. Naturally occurring iron as an element is very rare as are Iron Nickel deposits.
A test for Nickel is the most conclusive test available for Iron and stony iron meteorite identification.
The fact that Lester is also picking up soil on the magnets is not a good sign. If Neodymium magnets are being used these can pick up hematite, which suggests the small stones may be basaltic in origin.
A specific gravity test would help here, but a test for Nickel is the way to go.
Regards
Steven
|
Thanks Steven .. interesting ..
I've just been doing some more reading on this. Wiki mentions that by applying a chemical test on the proportions of Ga, Ge and Ir, they can further classify iron meteorites into classes corresponding to distinct asteroid parent bodies! Eg: the best candidate for a Class IIE iron meteorite is 6 Hebe !
.. Interesting stuff !
Good luck Lester .. I'll be interested to see what comes of it .. let us know!
Cheers