Meteorites?

[Jeff O]

We vacationed in the Black Hills area a few weeks ago and tried to get some detecting in while seeing the sights and trying to keep cool in the 100

 

[saika/ace250]

Any meteorites that I have seen are smoother, not all of the sticky outy bits, this looks more like slag from some type of pour off from a smelting or a really hot fire. Maybe from a blast?

 

[smithobx]

Jeff. First check to see if they are all manetic and if so, do they seem heavier than they should be for their size. The elements in the sample should be in a pure state as they were formed in an environment devoid of water and oxygen. You can also scrape or cut a small area to expose the inside of the speciman. Any elements should appear as globules or "spots" inside the meteor. Be advised, cutting or scaping may damage the value of the speciman and they can be quite valuable. There are also labs that will test them for you. Hope this helps and if they are meteorites you have made a great find. John

 

[Jeff O]

See I thought that also because they are very light and non magnetic but, some were found near Hill city S.D and some were found near the town of Interior in the Badlands. They are quite smooth and the pic does not do them justice. The larger one is silver in color and has miniature Elephant Skin like texture.
We do have a metallurgist where I work but he refuses to "Burn" one because he doesn't want to risk messing up our spectrometer.

 

[Anonymous]

Try a Google search for meteorites. I know there is at least one site that is pretty good with identification information. Unfortunately I don't have the URL.

Ernie

 

[smithobx]

Jeff, I may have missled you, what I meant by magnetic is that a magnet is attracted to the speciman. As I said I would think again befor you cut one, it could destroy its monetary value as well as any reasearch value. Dr. Moore at Arizona State University might give you an opinion if you send him a sample. I have used resources at N.C. State for verification but I do not think they offer that service to the public. You might want to visit Shooting Stars.com, they have some good articles on identification and metal detecting for meteorites. The rule is, If in doubt, have them checked by a university. John

 

[Jeff O]

Thanks Ernie, Smith.
I have been a "Googlin" fool for the past few days but really haven't produced much, But I won't stop.
A community college in our area said they'd like to have a look at them.

here's a couple clearer shots
The little rock on the far right has veins of the stuff running through it.
Can't see it too well with the eye but under a stereoscope it looks just like the same material as the bigger ones

 

[BiLL IL]

Jeff from the pictures and the Statement of being Lightweight and Non Magnetic, I would say you have found the Remnants of somebody's Camp Fire. Melted Aluminum Cans.Just an opinion.