[meteorite-list] looking to buy

From: Mexicodoug <mexicodoug_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Sun, 30 Aug 2009 16:14:16 -0400
Message-ID: <8CBF7C59565E31A-4EEC-98BB_at_webmail-d039.sysops.aol.com>

"Question: Are 'meteorite crystals' like the listing below really
meteorites? or are they from the sand / ground near a big crater?

Campo del Cielo eBay item 120367220535 "

Hi Mike, they are shattered and anti--rust treated fragments from a
larger piece that was found. Tehy are being called crystals because
they are essentially fragments from a crystalline structure formed by
arrangements of Fe with a low percentage of Ni, and then breaking along
interfaces when smashed in a press. Just similar to taking a block of
ice (usually a hexagonal crystal structure) with a variety of
crystalline patterns and hitting it with a hammer. While ice has a
variety of crystal structures, breaking, then calling the fragments ice
crystals, which they are...just not complete individuals.

Best wishes
Doug


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Received on Sun 30 Aug 2009 04:14:16 PM PDT