famous Nital etch can reveal the Widmanstätten pattern in a metal meteorite as it preferentially etches the minerals at different rates. (Don’t try this at home! It is a dangerous mixture). This crisscross pattern is diagnostic of a meteorite because it is formed only by very slow cooling in the interior of an asteroid. Often metal meteorites are positively identified by analysis of their iron and nickel content with an electron microprobe. A large amount of calcium, manganese, copper, zinc, silicon, indicates a manmade origin. Common Meteorwrongs
Hematite, a common meteorwrong (Photo courtesy of A erolite.org)
The most common meteorwrongs include magnetite, a black, heavy, magnetic rock, industrial slags of all descriptions, old iron farm implements, iron rich rocks, and volcanic rocks. Many brown or black rocks are sent to labs in hopes that they are meteorites. Knowledge of the geologic or geographic setting can be important in any explanation of the true nature of a meteorwrong. For example, many rocks from deserts display a thin, black coating called desert varnish that can look very much like fusion crust but, is actually a terrestrial manganese oxide. Testing Laboratories
Dr. K. Domanik studying a sample of A lmahata Sitta with the electron microprobe, in the lab of the University of A rizona, Tucson, A rizona (Photo courtesy of Full Moon Photography)
Meteorite laboratories are usually associated with universities. They routinely examine possible meteorites. Not all geology departments and not all geologists have experience with meteorites. Reputable meteorite dealers are also qualified to identify common meteorites. They, too, will seek out scientific contacts for unusual rocks or meteorites. I have never known of a dealer to be dishonest,