shermlock
has rocks in the head
Member since August 2011
Posts: 612
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Post by shermlock on Jul 18, 2012 19:27:06 GMT -5
I attended an estate sale and found a bag listed as Willamette Meteorite shale. It was a very well cataloged collection so I took a "risk" and paid $5.00 for it. The piece is 3" x 2" and about 1/2" thick. I completely realize this would be like hitting a small lottery but I figure I should have it tested. I've researched where to get it tested but do any of you folks have experience with a particular lab? Thanks, Scott
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Post by jakesrocks on Jul 18, 2012 20:02:35 GMT -5
Google lists the Willamette meteorite as an iron/ nickle meteorite. Do yourself a favor before spending a bunch of money having it analyzed. See if a magnet will stick to it.
I've purchased meteorites from a couple of reputable dealers. Maybe one of them could give you more information. Also, google it and see if you can find pics to compare your piece to.
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itsandbits
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since March 2012
Posts: 825
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Post by itsandbits on Jul 18, 2012 20:06:34 GMT -5
I'm concerned about the listing saying shale on the end of it
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Post by jakesrocks on Jul 18, 2012 20:22:40 GMT -5
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Post by Jugglerguy on Jul 18, 2012 20:57:08 GMT -5
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Post by jakesrocks on Jul 18, 2012 21:11:53 GMT -5
If you have the same material as that being auctioned, You have made a very valuable $5.00 investment.
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shermlock
has rocks in the head
Member since August 2011
Posts: 612
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Post by shermlock on Jul 18, 2012 21:31:26 GMT -5
Most labs take a small piece of the meteorite in exchange for identifying it so there isn't any money involved.
I have already put a magnet on it and it sticks. I've compared it to other pieces of the Willamette Meteorite shale and it looks like those pieces but I am no expert and they all look alike to me.
Shale is the outside of the meteorite and very, very few pieces the size of mine have been found/released...that is why I am skeptical of it being actual Willamette Meteorite shale.
If it is a Willamette Meteorite shale, it would be worth quite a bit. Again, I highly doubt it is but I want to make sure. I was just checking to see if anybody had experience with labs...like how fast they were, how much of the meteorite they wanted after the test, etc...
The thing that gives just a bit of credence to the label is that this guy was an ultra collector...only the very best was allowed to be in his collection...and he collected everything. From Civil War artifacts to Aztec pottery, to Picasso paintings, this guy had it all.
Thanks for the replies, Scott
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Jul 19, 2012 9:46:42 GMT -5
I am not sure who you would contact, but you may want to try Arizona State University. They have one of the largest meteorite collections in the US. There is also a guy in Tucson called the Meteor Guy.
Tim
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