Unusual piece...is it a meteorite?

[watercolor]

Any thoughts? (Dime is shown for relative size).


It “feels heavier” than an average rock it’s size and the surface appears to have been exposed to extreme heat. It also has no attraction to a rare-earth magnet.


I recovered this “rock” in a sandy, glaciated area of SE Wisconsin and after looking at it closely, I thought it may possibly be a meteorite (I’m not a meteorite expert) so I had a friend test its mineral composition on a Thermo Scientific Analyzer that he had access to and the mineral composition results indicated:


99.790% Fe (iron) and 0.209% Ir (iridium)


Thanks for looking!

 

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[Terry Soloman]

Hmmm.. If I were you, I would seek out my local Geology professor at your nearest college/university, and send him/her high quality close-ups, the exact weight and measurements, and where it was found. DO NOT cut a "window" to see the interior - DO NOT do anything to it.

I personally do NOT think it is a meteorite, but No One on this or any forum knows for sure. Have it examined and good luck!

 

[DizzyDigger]

Watercolor..you say the mineral composition tests showed that it
was 99.790% Iron, but a magnet is not attracted to it?

Help me out here...

It's most definitely an interesting item, and I agree with
Terry..don't do anything to it, and take it to a qualified person
for further analysis.

 

[galenrog]

First, with that much iron, if it not highly attracted to a magnet, it is most certainly NOT a meteorite.

Second, Thermo Scientific is a brand name, not a model or type of analyzer, so we have no idea what elements or alloys the analyzer is calibrated for or designed to detect. With only iron and iridium detected, I am pretty sure the analyzer or the operator was in error. A meteorite that is primarily iron will have a significant amount of nickel.

If you believe it may be a meteorite, present it to a qualified meteorite laboratory.

Time for more coffee.

 

[trdking]

It does appear to have characteristics. I say worth while having this one looked upon by a pro. I would say no but you never really know until it is analyzed

 

[ArfieBoy]

I agree with Terry and the other posters, don't do anything to it and let a qualified geologist look at it. Good luck!

 

[Red-Coat]

Something seriously wrong with those 'analytical' results. They can't possibly be correct. Virtually 100% iron but no sign of rusting and no magnetic properties? No... I don't think so!

Even allowing for the fact the results are spurious (or have been miscommunicated), I'm confident it's not a meteorite.

 

[watercolor]

First, with that much iron, if it not highly attracted to a magnet, it is most certainly NOT a meteorite.

Second, Thermo Scientific is a brand name, not a model or type of analyzer, so we have no idea what elements or alloys the analyzer is calibrated for or designed to detect. With only iron and iridium detected, I am pretty sure the analyzer or the operator was in error. A meteorite that is primarily iron will have a significant amount of nickel.

If you believe it may be a meteorite, present it to a qualified meteorite laboratory.

Time for more coffee.

That would seem to be the most logical step. I too was baffled by a specimen with that much iron not being attracted magnetically.

I really appreciate everyone's thoughts on what I found and will update when I receive additional analysis information.

Thanks again everyone and stay safe.