Meteorites

[jjjnettie (Jeanette)]

Does anyone here collect Meteorites?
Did you collect them yourself or did you purchase them?

[Dujon]

Not I, 'Nettie. Have you been reading the August issue of Astronomy?

To be honest, I rather enjoyed that issue even though it's not one that I normally purchase at the local newsagent.

[jjjnettie (Jeanette)]

Ironically, I got a book from the library 2 weeks ago on the topic. Then Astronomy has a special on it!
Those pictures of the meteorite slices were beautiful. I wouldn't mind adding a few to my rock collection. But actually getting out there and finding my own sample would make it even more special.
I've always been interested in rocks. When I was a single mum, 20 yrs ago, every long weekend was spent out camping, lugging along the metal detector, pans, seives, shovels etc. Great fun and the buzz you get when you find something worthwhile. WOW.

[Shawn]

How would you know if you found one, a few months ago, sitting outside picking up little stones and thumb flicking them at the cat,,I notice one heavy one, took it inside to have a look in good light about 2 centimeters brasil nut shape pock marcked with little blown craters that were semi smooth, metalic by wieght and ever so slightly magnitic,,,does that fit the bill,,,? I saved it because thats what I assumed it to be,,,never collected rocks though, fossils yes Off the east coast of England " yeah rocks I guess" Ammonites , trilobites, and others,,,long time ago,, all gone now... ...

Stuff from the plasticene period , you know ..

...

[Shawn]

Oh dear my spelling,,,should proof before post,,,sorry..

[jjjnettie (Jeanette)]

You're quite right there Sir. How would you know?
Thats why they head to the desert to find them. A black rock amongst a sea of red rocks is pretty much a dead giveaway.
The Ballarat Observatory will assess your rock for you and tell you if it is a meteorite for free/small fee.

[jjjnettie (Jeanette)]

Have you found a Meteorite?
Find out with the link below.

http://www.meteorites.com.au/found.html

[robagar]

it's most likely just haemattite or magnetite - sounds just like the two "meteorites" I found

[Gargoyle_Steve (Steve)]

I collect meteorites ... favourite is from the Henley Crater site in NT, south of Alice - and it's a favourite because I HAVE visited that site, so actually owning a small piece made it special for me, if that makes any sense.

In many cases prospecting your own meteorites from existing sites is not legal, in much the same way that any "significant" fossils are also not legal to keep. In both cases they can be considered to be of such intrinsic scientific value that it has been declared illegal to keep them, unlike "common" stuff that you may (conditions apply*) be able to legally find and keep, such as gold, diamonds, etc :-)

In fact I purchased my Henley samples (for myself and my 2 brothers, with whom I visited the site) from a legitimate, registered, authorised meteorite dealer - yes, such people exist, there is even a worldwide association to regulate them!

Try an ebay search for meteorites but remember some people sell things that simply may or may not be actual meteorites, with no guarantees and no way to know.

Try this link - I have dealt with them and they are very genuine and all items are guaranteed to be exactly as stated: http://www.rocksonfire.com/

Steve

PS: For those who may remember I won a prize in this years Qld Astrofest raffle - the prize pool was down to books, etc, when my number came up, but I did select a very handsome (and thorough) hard cover book, all about meteorites! :-D

[robagar]

Originally Posted by Gargoyle_Steve

remember some people sell things that simply may or may not be actual meteorites

yeah, the rock stall in Cairns market has some very dubious looking "tektites" at $15 a pop. caveat emptor and all that

We visited Henbury last christmas - awesome place! Amazing to visit a crater where people actually remember the impact.

[Suzy_A]

Hi Everyone,

in most Australian States - maybe all? - any meteorites are property of the State. Also most fossils, but I'm not sure about tektites.

I have a number of tektites that I have collected - they are pretty distinctive and easy to recognise. I also have a 'shale-ball' from Wolf Creek. A shale-ball is the rusted remains of a meteorite (or fragment). Its about 20 cm x 15 x 10 cm.

How do you put photos up on this forum...???

[jjjnettie (Jeanette)]

Suzy,
Just below the quick reply box, next to the Post Quick Reply button is the Go Advanced. Click there and scroll down to Manage Attachments. That is where you post your piccies.
Thanks for all your replies everyone.
Steve, you'll have to bring your book along to Rons place next time I go up. I'd love to have a look at it.

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

You can collect Micro-meteorites at home!

On my own Astro site I explain how.
And you don't have to worry about anyone confiscating them for the name of science.

Don't get too excited though, these suckers are tiny!

Here on my Astro Facts page: http://astroken.bravehost.com/astrokenfacts.html