Iron meteorite3/2/2023 ![]() But if the etch is dull or even non existent its time to find another specimen to cut. If the pattern displayed is brilliant and beautiful then the specimen is ready for cutting. This window will allow one to etch only that small area and test its etch. It is important to always window any iron meteorite before cutting and etching. On occasion one may even run across a Gibeon with no discernable etch whatsoever. For example while most Gibeon meteorites etch wonderfully it is not too uncommon to find one that displays a blurry or muddy pattern. Even meteorites from the very same fall don’t always display the same quality etch. The problem in choosing an iron meteorite to etch is all meteorites are not equal. These are called neumann lines, and though technically it is an etch, it’s not much to look at. A hexahedrite meteorite made up mostly of kamacite will etch but only very fine lines will appear. Ataxite meteorites such as chinga are made up almost entirely of taenite and do not etch. Iron meteorites can be as different and unique as the patterns themselves. However, when properly sliced and prepared a large black graphite inclusion in the center of an etch is truly beautiful.Ĭhoosing an iron meteorite to etch is not quite as easy as it may sound. A simple graphite inclusion on the exterior of one of these meteorites goes almost unnoticed. These would include Gibeon, Cape York, Henbury or Toluca.Ĭanyon Diablo, Nantan and Odessa are examples of iron meteorites that not only display a beautiful widmanstatten pattern but often have gorgeous inclusions. Some of the most beautiful structures are widmanstatten patterns with fine to medium size plates. Other Iron meteorites such as Sikote Alin have very large plates, some are an inch or more across. Taza displays an etched pattern that somewhat resembles snow flakes or stars. Some of the finest patterns are seen in plessitic irons such as the Taza iron meteorite. Each pattern is made up of crystals that look like plates which range in size from very fine to very coarse. This pattern is unique to meteorites and no two meteorites display the same exact pattern. This structure is called a widmanstatten pattern. Secrets to Cutting, Etching, and Preserving Iron meteoritesĮtching as it relates to iron meteorites is simply the process of revealing its hidden crystalline structure. This is not intended as a guide or "how to" instead I'm simply saying this is the way I do it. I am by no means saying my way is the best or only way to etch. It seems that very often I get emails regarding the subject. ![]() ![]() I have etched many many iron meteorites over the last 8 years.
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