![]() However, many terrestrial minerals and rocks are dense and magnetic, so these properties alone should not be used to identify your sample. Meteorites will usually display some unusual shapes called regmaglypts – these are fingerprint-shaped indentations or “dimples” that can occur on the surface of a meteorite. They are also magnetic, since many meteorites contain iron. Meteorites are usually very dense (heavy for their size) since they contain metallic minerals such as iron. Those characteristics are density, magnetism, regmaglypts, and fusion crust. In addition, meteorites have some characteristics that can help distinguish them from terrestrial rocks. Meteorites can look a bit different from the terrestrial rocks around them, but the best way the answer this question is with some photos! The exteriors of meteorites can make it hard to distinguish them from terrestrial rocks. Some igneous rocks that are often mistaken for meteorites won’t leave a streak on the streak plate either – so the absence of a streak (or a light gray streak) does not mean you have a meteorite. However, hematite and magnetite will leave a streak! Hematite leaves a rusty-red streak behind while magnetite leaves a dark gray streak. If they do leave a streak, it will be very faint and kind of gray, but you have to apply a lot of pressure when dragging the rock across the plate to get that result. Meteorites typically will not leave a streak behind on the streak plate. If you’re feeling really fancy, you can order some proper streak plates online or from your local geology outfitters. Testing the streak can be done by scraping the rock across an unglazed piece for ceramic tile or the unglazed bottom of your least favorite coffee mug. Streak is a physical property of many rocks and minerals that can help geologists with identification. So, how can you tell if you have an iron oxide mineral or a meteorite? Test the streak of course! One of the meteorites on display in the Fleischmann Planetarium. These minerals are magnetic and very dense (heavy for their size) – they will sometimes appear shiny on the outside as well. The minerals hematite and magnetite, both iron oxides, are commonly confused with meteorites. At that point it’s best to bring the rock into an expert for further evaluation. In some cases, a rock will meet all the criteria of a meteorite, but just because the flow chart didn’t take you to the “It’s Not A Meteorite” box, that doesn’t mean it is a meteorite. This self-test checklist can be done in the comfort of your own home with ordinary household objects and is an excellent way to determine if you have a meteor-wrong. The quickest way to see if you have a meteorite is to follow this flow chart from Washington University in St. Rachel Micander, a graduate student in the Department of Geological Sciences and Engineering and a geologist for the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology, shares tips on identifying meteorites.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |