Meteorite identification

stuart7

Jr. Member
Sep 13, 2023
20
21
I found this a few months ago and I have had one geologist look at it and they couldn't tell me what it was, I have since had a search around online and found that it has alot of features that a meteorite would have, it is magnetic and pretty heavy for its size.
If anyone can help with this it would be much appreciated
1694633922841426404665794778796.jpg
16946339496483714700748541826854.jpg
16946339753046287627816590878039.jpg
16946341882154007275390543627080.jpg
16946339496483714700748541826854.jpg
 

Attachments

  • 16946340148441209299914098410575.jpg
    16946340148441209299914098410575.jpg
    939.1 KB · Views: 13
Upvote 11

Clay Diggins

Silver Member
Nov 14, 2010
4,908
14,317
The Great Southwest
Primary Interest:
Prospecting
OK so curve ball🤣 I took this to 2nd geologist who specialises in minerals and she told me that this is just a pyrite nodule, she said it with confidence and with no excitement so I'm going to presume it's rubbish🤣, would you guys agree with this or?
A mineralogist told you it was Pyrite so you presumed their opinion is rubbish?

Am I on the Treasure legends forum?

The mineralogist may be incorrect in her assessment but her answer does fit the photos provided. Maybe a third , fourth or fifth opinion until someone comes up with an acceptable answer?
 

OP
OP
stuart7

stuart7

Jr. Member
Sep 13, 2023
20
21
A mineralogist told you it was Pyrite so you presumed their opinion is rubbish?

Am I on the Treasure legends forum?

The mineralogist may be incorrect in her assessment but her answer does fit the photos provided. Maybe a third , fourth or fifth opinion until someone comes up with an acceptable answer?
I meant I presume this is rubbish talking about the rock itself not her opinion, she seen the rock in person but she didn't spend much time looking at it as I took a few things for her to look at
 

OP
OP
stuart7

stuart7

Jr. Member
Sep 13, 2023
20
21
Personally, I wouldn't agree... but then I haven't been able to examine it in hand. Who am I to argue with a geologist?

View attachment 2105756

If it is pyrite then it will streak black or greenish-black on the unglazed side of a porcelain tile. Streak firmly once or twice rather than rubbing to and fro, then blow the dust away and examine the colour of the streak itself.
I'm definitely going to give that a try, time to lift the old cistern lid
 

Clay Diggins

Silver Member
Nov 14, 2010
4,908
14,317
The Great Southwest
Primary Interest:
Prospecting
The streak test is a method used to determine the color of a mineral in powdered form. In this test, the mineral is scratched against a ceramic plate known as a streak plate and the resulting colored streak is observed.

For magnetite, the streak is typically black. When the mineral is scratched against a streak plate, it will leave a black streak.

For hematite, the streak is reddish-brown. If hematite is scratched against a streak plate, it will leave a reddish-brown streak.

For pyrite, the streak is dark greenish-black or brownish-black. When pyrite is scratched against a streak plate, it will leave a dark greenish-black or brownish-black streak.

It should be noted that the streak color can sometimes differ from the actual mineral color, so the streak test is a useful tool in mineral identification.
 

Clay Diggins

Silver Member
Nov 14, 2010
4,908
14,317
The Great Southwest
Primary Interest:
Prospecting
At lower temperatures (<about 800 K) and higher oxygen concentrations, pyrite will be directly oxidized. The direct oxidation process follows the unreacted core model and may be controlled by chemical reaction or the inward diffusion of oxygen due to the pore-blocking effect by the formation of ferric/ferrous sulfate.

Iron oxides (mainly hematite, Fe2O3 and magnetite, Fe3O4) are the main products of the oxidation of pyrite. Hematite usually forms at lower temperatures (<1173–1273 K) and at high oxygen concentrations, whereas magnetite usually forms at higher temperatures and/or at low oxygen concentrations.
 

Clay Diggins

Silver Member
Nov 14, 2010
4,908
14,317
The Great Southwest
Primary Interest:
Prospecting
It is not possible to make pyrite (also known as fool's gold) at home. Pyrite is a natural mineral that is formed in geological processes over long periods of time. It is not something that can be artificially created in a home setting.
 

Digger RJ

Gold Member
Aug 24, 2017
19,665
33,739
SW Missouri/Oklahoma
🥇 Banner finds
1
🏆 Honorable Mentions:
2
Detector(s) used
Minelab CTX 3030; Minelab Equinox 800;
XP Deus 2
Primary Interest:
All Treasure Hunting

Clay Diggins

Silver Member
Nov 14, 2010
4,908
14,317
The Great Southwest
Primary Interest:
Prospecting
Tell me this isn’t true. I have much disrespect for those that use AI to appear intelligent.
Anyone using AI to appear more intelligent is going to be very disappointed. There are several on these forums who use it extensively, anyone who actually reads their posts would recognize something out of place.

Real AI doesn't exist yet. The recent media hype seems to be directed towards the IPO of Open AI. Once that monetization of the fake AI is complete look for media interest and AI stock prices to take a nosedive.

What is called AI today is basically the consensus of the masses as found on the internet. In other words it's wrong more than half the time and when it's right it gets the details wrong. But it does provide content for those individuals and routines unable to rely on their own knowledge or thought processes.

If the trend continues It will, in my opinion, eventually lead to the death of forums and reasonable internet communication among humans. It's already happened to several forums and social media apps. This will continue until either people wake up to the fact that our means of communication are being co-opted or until the "AI" dumbing down is complete and all your content/conversation is controlled by poorly designed machines with an agenda.

Or all this could be wild speculation and your suspicions about AI content on this forum are mistaken.
 

OP
OP
stuart7

stuart7

Jr. Member
Sep 13, 2023
20
21
Anyone using AI to appear more intelligent is going to be very disappointed. There are several on these forums who use it extensively, anyone who actually reads their posts would recognize something out of place.

Real AI doesn't exist yet. The recent media hype seems to be directed towards the IPO of Open AI. Once that monetization of the fake AI is complete look for media interest and AI stock prices to take a nosedive.

What is called AI today is basically the consensus of the masses as found on the internet. In other words it's wrong more than half the time and when it's right it gets the details wrong. But it does provide content for those individuals and routines unable to rely on their own knowledge or thought processes.

If the trend continues It will, in my opinion, eventually lead to the death of forums and reasonable internet communication among humans. It's already happened to several forums and social media apps. This will continue until either people wake up to the fact that our means of communication are being co-opted or until the "AI" dumbing down is complete and all your content/conversation is controlled by poorly designed machines with an agenda.

Or all this could be wild speculation and your suspicions about AI content on this forum are mistaken.
🤦‍♂️
 

Tesorodeoro

Bronze Member
Jan 21, 2018
1,253
1,951
Primary Interest:
All Treasure Hunting
I'm going to need to do the streak test on it to get people talking again 🤣, took a bit of an AI turn in here
Seriously though, setting AI aside..

“Slicing or cutting a meteorite can have varying effects on its value, depending on several factors:

1. Type of Meteorite: Some meteorites are valued for their internal structure and composition. Slicing or cutting these meteorites can reveal their unique features, potentially increasing their value. However, for meteorites prized for their intact, natural shape, cutting can decrease their value.
2. Aesthetic Appeal: The way a meteorite is sliced and displayed can significantly impact its value. If the slicing and presentation enhance its aesthetic appeal, it may fetch a higher price among collectors.
3. Scientific Research: Meteorites are essential for scientific research, and cutting them may be necessary to study their interior or conduct specific tests. In such cases, the value for scientific purposes can outweigh any decrease in collectible value.
4. Rareness: If the meteorite is exceptionally rare, cutting it may be acceptable if it serves a scientific or educational purpose. However, cutting a more common meteorite can decrease its value, especially if it damages its unique features.
5. Size: Reducing the size of a meteorite through cutting may decrease its value since collectors often prefer larger specimens.
6. Provenance and Documentation: Proper documentation of the meteorite’s history, including any cutting or slicing, is crucial. Transparency about any alterations can help maintain or even increase its value if the modifications serve a legitimate purpose.

In summary, the impact of slicing or cutting on a meteorite’s value depends on its type, how it’s done, and the purpose behind the modification. For valuable or rare meteorites, consulting with experts and collectors is advisable before making any alterations. Proper documentation is also essential to maintain the meteorite’s authenticity and provenance.”


Personally, I’d get a rock saw and cut a slab off.

First it will aid in positive identification. It will always be just a rock without confirmation it came from space.

Second, it would serve as an even base for display purposes.

That’s just me.
 

Al D

Bronze Member
Jul 23, 2011
2,066
3,525
Gold canyon AZ
Detector(s) used
DJI Air 2S
Primary Interest:
Cache Hunting
What you have is one of the most unique and perfect examples of a lava bomb that I have ever seen.
Enough knowledgable people here have told you that it is not a meteorite, but if you choose to not believe them, then go ahead and cut the damn thing.
you will come to regret that decision.
 

Emil W

Sr. Member
Nov 4, 2021
477
1,091
Central New Jersey
Detector(s) used
Deus 2
Deus
Deus Lite
Garrett Apex
Garrett Pinpointer
BH Discovery 2200
BH Pioneer EX
White's Coinmaster 6000D (have had for decades)
Primary Interest:
Metal Detecting
What you have is one of the most unique and perfect examples of a lava bomb that I have ever seen.
Enough knowledgable people here have told you that it is not a meteorite, but if you choose to not believe them, then go ahead and cut the damn thing.
you will come to regret that decision.

Agreed.

Absolutely, positively, without question--bet my life on it--NOT a meteorite.

It's like thinking a Lincoln cent may be an Indian Head, it's that obvious.
 

dougachim

Hero Member
Jan 30, 2013
581
1,204
Las Cruces, New Mexico
Detector(s) used
Whites
Primary Interest:
All Treasure Hunting
Seriously though, setting AI aside..

“Slicing or cutting a meteorite can have varying effects on its value, depending on several factors:

1. Type of Meteorite: Some meteorites are valued for their internal structure and composition. Slicing or cutting these meteorites can reveal their unique features, potentially increasing their value. However, for meteorites prized for their intact, natural shape, cutting can decrease their value.
2. Aesthetic Appeal: The way a meteorite is sliced and displayed can significantly impact its value. If the slicing and presentation enhance its aesthetic appeal, it may fetch a higher price among collectors.
3. Scientific Research: Meteorites are essential for scientific research, and cutting them may be necessary to study their interior or conduct specific tests. In such cases, the value for scientific purposes can outweigh any decrease in collectible value.
4. Rareness: If the meteorite is exceptionally rare, cutting it may be acceptable if it serves a scientific or educational purpose. However, cutting a more common meteorite can decrease its value, especially if it damages its unique features.
5. Size: Reducing the size of a meteorite through cutting may decrease its value since collectors often prefer larger specimens.
6. Provenance and Documentation: Proper documentation of the meteorite’s history, including any cutting or slicing, is crucial. Transparency about any alterations can help maintain or even increase its value if the modifications serve a legitimate purpose.

In summary, the impact of slicing or cutting on a meteorite’s value depends on its type, how it’s done, and the purpose behind the modification. For valuable or rare meteorites, consulting with experts and collectors is advisable before making any alterations. Proper documentation is also essential to maintain the meteorite’s authenticity and provenance.”


Personally, I’d get a rock saw and cut a slab off.

First it will aid in positive identification. It will always be just a rock without confirmation it came from space.

Second, it would serve as an even base for display purposes.

That’s just me.
Can't get it tested and approved by anyone without cutting it.
 

Tesorodeoro

Bronze Member
Jan 21, 2018
1,253
1,951
Primary Interest:
All Treasure Hunting
Yes and that comment was relating to a possible meteorite. A volcanic bomb is something else I’ve never heard of despite living in the immediate vicinity of a dormant volcano. We will see if this thread grows legs.
 

Top Member Reactions

Users who are viewing this thread

Top