Free iron would be even more attracted to a magnet then magnetite.
Hematite isn't attracted to a magnet.
Sulphides can also look like metal grains.
Mineralogy and geology is so much easier with a good microscope. I would
try to scratch the surface of the grains with a needle and watch it
under a microscope while doing it. Then it is fairly easy to determine
the hardness of the grains. Sulfides and oxides are relatively easy to
crack or scratch. Metal usually smears a bit when cut or scratched.
/Göran
Phil Morgan skrev 2011-07-27 20:16:
Thanks for the responses.
Here is one more picture taken more straight-on if anyone is
interested. Gives a better feel for the actual color:
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c57/pkmorgan/postingpics/achond1.jpg
I know it's a long-shot but there are tiny grains of bright, shiny,
silver metal. I would say magnetic attraction is slightly less than
the average LL.
Would hematite or something in the family contain free iron grains?
Even if so, wouldn't they be fairly strongly attracted to a magnet?
Thanks again - always something new to learn and explore,
Phil
On Tue, Jul 26, 2011 at 2:17 PM, Phil Morgan<roxfromsp...@gmail.com> wrote:
I recently cut a small stone that came in a batch of unclassified NWA
material. Looks to be an achondrite of some sort and was wondering if
anyone had any ideas of what it might be. The white pinpoints in the
photo are tiny flecks of iron. No definitive fusion crust - a small
patch of either wind polish/desert varnish or transparent crust but
the tiny flecks of iron are certainly encouraging.
photo is posted at:
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c57/pkmorgan/postingpics/achond2.jpg
I'm the curious sort and any observations are much appreciated.
Thanks,
Phil
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