Hello Mark and List, There is already a book that answers a lot of your questions, not all of them, but quite a few. It is the Handbook of Meteorites by O. Richard Norton. I certainly would recommend getting it. Also I would like to add one thing to the discussion about helping new meteorite enthusiasts; It is not because you did not see a response on the List that no help of response was sent. It is often a whole lot better to email that person privately to ask for additional details to narrow down the problem, or simply to protect that person from some public embarassement. I know I probably write 50 private emails for every one posted here. And then we are not all always glued to our computer (believe it or not!!), personally I have a book (about meteorites of course) to translate as quickly as possible so it will be available in Tucson. And Norbert Classen and I have the dubious honor of having to answer every question that comes in on the IMCA questions email address. Also time consuming. And right now I have a whole lot of snow to shovel!!! Have a nice day. Anne M. Black _http://www.impactika.com/_ (http://www.impactika.com/) _impact...@aol.com_ (mailto:impact...@aol.com) Vice-President, I.M.C.A. Inc. _http://www.imca.cc/_ (http://www.imca.cc/) In a message dated 11/15/2009 8:30:51 AM Mountain Standard Time, mina...@yahoo.com writes: Dear List,
I think Adam has some great points. I think people forget how rare these things are. Prices often don't reflect that. I think people are more likely to give advice when a "newbie" asks something like, I've ruined several slices trying to do such & such, I've tried A and B, what else should I do. it shows that they're paying their dues, but need a little advice which they can probably absorb quickly, saving an "expert's" time. The sad thing is that a few slices/specimens have been ruined (maybe from "cheap, common NWA" material, but very rare, finite material nonetheless). How do you balance the protection of trade secrets and your business vs. the ideal of preserving this wonderful material? I suppose there are techniques which are common in parallel fields like lapidary, which one can assume they'll figure it out the hard way (both hard on their time/wallet but also hard on meteorites). I would say one should be somewhat eager to help in that case, since keeping quiet won't deter them but only make possible the damage of more specimens. However, offering help takes precious time, busy people lack. What about the possibility of a guidebook highlighting some of these "common" things? The first person(s) with the ability to write said tome could profit from the book sales, and many novices would benefit from the tips. Sensitive trade secrets could be mentioned by name and the disclaimer given that you will have to experiment at the peril of your collection and finances - or maybe find a willing mentor. The book would have to be relatively comprehensive - covering the common things which can be found in a lapidary book, but from a meteorite point of view (there might be possibility of tips like "it's wise to practice this technique using sandstone(?) because it approximates XYZ meteorites very well, and you can rest assured that your learning curve isn't busting the bank"). And it would also cover the meteorites specific topics like chemicals/oils to avoid, etc. Maybe some explanations of the different textures you will encounter in meteorites. Maybe a section on thin sections, epoxy plugs, and ? There might be room for general things like an explanation meteorite classifications, collecting strategies, strategies for documenting a collection of specimens, a list of common vendors, etc. There are lots of interesting, useful things that could be added that I can't imagine. Of course, you would have to have environmental, health and safety concerns highlighted and repeated throughout the book! I know this may sound a little out in left field, but it would help with the overall conservation of specimens and/or reduce poor, albeit, harmless results (as well as be an opportunity to make some money). Could it result in increased completion? Probably so, but those rushing head long into the wilderness probably can't be stopped anyway. And those who are inspired by the book may take a stab at it, but realize it's expensive, hard work and go back to only buying/trading/collecting. This book may exist, but I don't think so. I can think of a few books which explain etching and nickel testing, but I can't think of anything which comprehensively covers the preservation and preparation of meteorite specimens. Personally, I will always choose to buy from a handful of dealers held in high regard, who have invaluable reputations to protect (or middlemen I trust as friends I can trust). And some field hunters I know. I've decided to avoid attractive specimens of questionable pedigree, unless I'm willing to make the often expensive choice to advertise them as "believed to be XYZ specimen". So this book would not cause the big dealers to lose my (rare) business. When a "newbie" asks a question, you can point them to the "Bible". So what do you guys think? Crazy? Brilliant? (Someone with too much time on his hands tonight?) Is this an issue that's already on the IMCA "to-do" list? Is this not commercially viable? (Cricket chirping‎?) ;-) Clear skies, Mark ______________________________________________ http://www.meteoritecentral.com Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list