I just had a conversation with Blaine Reed about the latest fall near Chicago. Blaine has a degree in geology (cum laude) and is quite good at classifying rocks from here and beyond. I wondered if he knew if this latest-and-greatest was an LL6, L6, anomolous achondrite w/attached dumbbell tectites, etc. Nope. We both marveled at the price considering the eventual TKW will be relatively "high" and that "L-type" melts are not incredibly rare. We apppreciated that the specific pieces that struck objects are more "valuable" than those that just hit the ground like any other meteorite.
I also mentioned how some collectors were leaving the hobby over the high and higher prices of material.
Blaine brought up a meteorite of which I hadn't been aware of that he just acquired. It's called Smyer (Texas) H5-6. It apparently is about the only "H" impact melt breccia, although Blaine thought there might be one NWA. He didn't think there was any from Antarctica (I'm sure if there is, we'll know momentarily - you still hangin' with us, Bernd?)
According to the good book (Cat of Mets., 5th edition) "A single mass of 3,272 grams was recovered June 1, 1968 in a cultivated field 4 miles (8.4km) NE of Smyer, olivine Fa19.7, brief description, E.A. King (1979) - (i.e. King collection). Dist. 47gm. DuPont Coll., 20 gm. AMNH, N.Y., 14.3gm., GSC, Ottawa, 243.8gm. Monnig (TCU)."
I found this exciting. I'm less into the flavor-of-the-moment, but definitely into rare. The only available "H" impact melt breccia would be a worthy addition to my collection. I asked Blaine to describe the slices.
"Well, I've got slices from 22 to 143 grams. I don't know the weathering factor, but it's as fresh as Plainview, which is very fresh. I'd guess W=1 or better. You have rounded breccia fragments smeared with bubbles. You can easily see the flow, it's really pretty. Some of the chondrules are surrounded by slaggy veins of impact melt."
"Most of the slices have crust which is a chocolate brown. The 127 and 143 gm. slices are completely surrounded by crust except for the cut edge."
I asked Blaine where he got this treasure. Turns out it's from another well-known dealer that wanted upwards to $50/gm. After all, it is very rare.
Blaine has about 300 grams @ $12. Smallest is 22 grams.
Operators are standing by to take your order (970) 874-1487.
Kevin Kichinka
