Blaine Reed
P.O. Box 1141
Delta, CO 81416
Ph/fax: (970) 874-1487
…………………………………………….LIST 77
September 29, 2009
Dear Collectors,
Here is an odd-timed offering. It should have gone out on the 15th but I was just opening up for the Denver Show. Last Tuesday I was still traveling home, so this is the earliest I could send something out.
The show was a bit slow on attendance, but not nearly as bad as might be expected (and actually, not as bad as last year). Those that did show up were serious about buying, so I did quite a bit better than last year (where I barely covered the show expenses). I guess being the only guy with a substantial amount and variety of collector's specimens really helped keep my place the place to hang out (I am sure the cooler full of beer had nothing to do with it though).
The only sour note that I hate bring up is the ever increasing theft issue and what it may mean for consignments in the future (and many of you have consigned items at one point or another over the years). I have been loosing more and more to theft every year lately. I have lost more in the past few years than all the previous 20 plus years combined (I will have officially been in business 25 years in October). I talked with a police officer and he commented that it is pretty much the case in all fields right now (so I shouldn't feel singled out). Interestingly, he commented that he thought that it is not really due to our difficult economy as much as it is the development of sites like E-Bay ("the biggest and best fencing operation ever conceived of and created by man" in his words). These sites make it very easy for a thief to dispose of stolen goods and too the end buyers in the field at a higher price no less. In earlier years the thief would be stuck trying to sell the goods back to other dealers at the same shows (hoping word had not spread to them about the missing items) or sell them very cheap to people not really related to the field who couldn't pass up a bargain. This is a BIG problem though and has me having to consider very serious, unwelcome changes to my show style.
Many have told me that I need to lock everything behind glass and only open cases for serious customers that are willing to wait for me to do it for them (and that can be quite delayed when things get busy). I personally don't like this option (though it may very well become a necessity soon the way things are progressing) . I, as a customer and "educator" like being able to handle things and look them over carefully (and letting people just learning about meteorites do the same) with out having to have a person hovering over me waiting for me to finish so they can lock up the case and move on to the next potential customer (this is why I pretty much avoid the locked case sections in antique malls when I am out hunting for "treasures" - too much time too much trouble, only to find that the price (usually the item is sitting on its tag) is too high). A fairly large number of my sales are to people that got interested by handling something from out of this world and were easily able to hand it too me and find that YES, they could actually afford it (things stuck behind glass tend to tell customers "if you have to ask, then you cannot afford it", so they usually do not ask). I do try to generally put small expensive items behind glass. I keep a careful eye on just who is opening up any of my cases (and will quickly appear next to them if they are anyone I do not recognize). This show showed me that this is not fool proof either. Matt Morgan's beautiful 86.4 gram Millbillillie end piece (I can send a picture too those that need one) not only managed to disappear under such conditions, but managed to do it on a slow day (no crowd confusion)from a case that is nearly impossible to open (so a quick casual slick open and close was NOT possible).
I am not sure what the answer security wise is in this case (a number of cameras recording everything - an easy task for Blake to set up, is one possible but expensive starting point). BUT, I probably need to change (and maybe eliminate?) my consignment policies for shows for the time being. I have been noted as being "easy" (to the point of winning a Harvey for "the dealer most willing to") and actually prefer to be that way (within reason and with a few restrictions) . But this quick loss just cost me around 20% of my profits from this show. This is serious business. If something of mine turns up missing (and plenty has the past couple years) that is very painful but at least it was ALREADY PAID FOR. A consigned item disappears and I have to pay for it out of show profits (and I try to not mark these up much so I don't make much on them even if they do sell). Right now I am considering simply shutting down accepting consignments for shows completely (no problems for mail-order sales) for a while. But then consignments allow me to have a really filled room with a really large assortment of things I would never be able to offer otherwise. Yet, the risks and cost have become so high, this seems my best option at this point.
I am considering (on Linda's advice) of having show consignors sign some kind of agreement that I am not responsible for stolen items (obvious negligence excluded of coarse). She tells me that all of the consignments she has done to clothing and construction materials shops has exactly such a clause in them (basically saying that they will do their best to protect the items but they are not responsible for loss or damage). This would mean that consignors could pull their material (or not submit it) if they did not like how I was handling it or planned to display it. One person has already commented that they certainly would NOT accept such a contract under any circumstances. Others have suggested a split of the lost value (I pay half of what I was going to have to pay if the item sold, the consignor looses half). I am hoping some of you out there will contact me and give me some of your thoughts on this (the reason I am bringing up this ugly issue in such a public way). Any and all comments are welcome and are helpful (no wrong answers here), I am truly confused, angered and disheartened by all of this right now and am hoping to find a workable solution for all of us.
Any way, on to some neat little specimens!
BELLE PLAINE, Kansas: (L6). Found 1950. Tkw = 96.4kg.
23.3 grams slice - 55mm x 38mm x 4mm - $60
GOBABEB, Namibia: (H4). Found 1969. Tkw = 27kg.
1.98 gram slice - 15mm x 13mm x 7mm - $20
HaH (222), Libya: (L6). Found 1997. Tkw = 3393 grams.
1.9grams slice - 16mm x 10mm x 4mm - $10 - 50% crusted edge.
HOLBROOK, Arizona: (L6). Fell July 19, 1912.
1.6 gram complete individual - 11mm x 10mm x 7mm - $30
OCHANSK, Russia: (H4). Fell August 30, 1887. Tkw = 500+kg.
.4 grams fragment - 10mm x 6mm x 4mm - $15
SONGYUAN, China: (L6). Fell August 15, 1993. Tkw = about 40kg.
19.6 gram slice - 48mm x 24mm x 5mm - $175 one crusted edge.
TOLAR, New Mexico: (H4). Found 1972, recognized 2002. Tkw = 5350 grams.
9.8 gram slice - 30mm x 30mm x 6mm - $30
15.3 gram slice - 60mm x 20m x 6mm - $45
WAGON MOUND, New Mexico: (L6). Found 1932. Tkw = 87.5kg.
2.0 gram "slice" - 14mm x 5mm x 10mm - $5
WICKENBURG, Arizona: (L6). Found 1940. Tkw = 9.2kg.
21.7 gram slice - 30mm x 29mm x 8mm - $80
IMILAC, Chile: (pallasite). Found 1822.
1.3 gram fragment - 12mm x 8mm x 5mm - $15
ESQUEL, Argentina: (Pallasite).
8.6 grams thin slice - 30mm x 20mm x 2mm - $215 - really clear crystals!
LIBYAN DESERT GLASS: Ancient stone tool
I got this from a professional archeologist that knows what he is doing (it comes with a signed card). It is a nice Neolithic Blade that was made from a really nice and clear piece of Libyan Glass.
2.0 grams - 33mm x 15mm x 3mm - $100
Tuesday, 29 September 2009
Wednesday, 2 September 2009
Blaine Reed Meteorites List #76
Blaine Reed
P.O. Box 1141
Delta, CO 81416
Ph/fax (970) 874-1487
…………………………………………………LIST 76
September 1, 2009
Dear Collectors,
Here is my first offering in a bit over two months. Things have been very busy this summer, both personally and business wise. I am just now beginning to think about the too soon to be here Denver Show (notes on that below). Many of the items listed today are special things that I have had set aside for quite a long time for my collection. The simple reason for this decision to offer them is that I just replaced my old, and until recently reliable, Toyota with a newer used car. Selling a few things here (or anywhere) will make the modest note I am carrying on that newer car go away. Maybe not the smartest decision from a longer term financial view (despite the "economic crisis" meteorites seem to be doing just fine and are, if anything, going up in value once again) but it will help me rest easier.
About the Denver Show:
I will be at my usual spot - Room 224 of the Holiday Inn at the intersection of I-25 and I-70. I will be open from late morning Tuesday September 15th through late afternoon Sunday September 20th (but will be gone from home roughly September 11th through September 22nd to allow some time to visit with a couple relatives fighting very serious illnesses a bit before and after the show). I know there is word spreading that many people will be showing up and selling by Saturday the 12th. It was against the show rules to be open before Tuesday noon before. No longer. Now many dealers are trying to endlessly stretch this show out (thinking that "the early bird gets the worm" - fine if you want worms I suppose) by arriving and opening a couple days earlier than anyone else. Soon this will get stretched out into another two week plus Tucson like event. I am sorry to say that I have no intention of playing this game. I have arrived a day or two early a couple times in the past. I never gained any extra sales from it. Most (if not all) meteorite buyers hold onto their money until they get a look at all that is going to be available before spending their money. The early days I have been at this show simply cost a lot in food (including beer, of coarse) and a really inflated motel room bill and generally did not generate enough sales to come close to covering those expenses.
CANYON DIABLO, Arizona: Graphite nodule.
I have not had one of these in a long time. This is a complete nodule that has been lightly brushed to clearly show its shiny gray graphite color. It does have the same color as a typical brushed Diablo for the most part. I showed it one person who did not believe that it was a graphite nodule. A simple demonstration of how well and easily you can write with the thing rapidly removed his doubts.
113.3 gram individual - 65mm x 35mm x 30mm - $150
NWA (5777): (H5), W2, S1. Found before February 2008, Tkw = 581.1 grams.
I picked up a single stone of this at the Tucson show in 2008. It was another one of those that the Moroccan seller kept telling me "primitive achondrite" but was not. It really does resemble the NWA (725) stuff though. It has the same external texture (even showing a large patch of nice black crust) and a virtually identical internal texture as well (lots of metal, very porous). Of coarse, it is the research that matters. This turned out to be an H chondrite, not an Acapucoite or Winonaite. I am offering ALL the pieces I have remaining after research specimens and thin-section pieces were removed. I thought about cutting it all up (the slices would be quite nice) but decided that it would be nice to leave it as intact as possible.
a) 10.0g complete slice - 35mm x 34mm x 4mm - $10
b) 515.7g main mass - 72mm x 67mm 50mm - $350
RICHFIELD, Kansas: (LL3.7). Found 1983, Tkw = 40.8 kilograms.
I once owned all of this, now I am down to just a few small pieces (I do have a 1714g complete slice that is likely the word's largest LL3 slice in private hands, but I think I already have a home for that one - but ask if interested just in case it turns out that I am wrong on that). I just got this little beauty back from a collector who was selling part of his collection. Someone though has polished both sides of this to a polish that I have never been able to achieve with my equipment. It was obviously polished by someone that has the super fine diamond equipment used for preparing thin-sections. This is a great specimen and priced (for now) a bit lower than what I have my other remaining specimens of Richfield at on my basic catalog.
19.8 gram slice - 50mm x 35mm x 3mm - $175
DHOFAR (1286), Oman: (Polymict eucrite). Found December 2005, Tkw = 898 grams.
I got a few bits of this in a trade some time ago. I set it aside as it was labeled NWA (1286), polymict eucrite (this, by the way, means that it has fragments of eucrite material from several different original rock sources that got mixed together rather than just one that got smashed up and re-solidified) . As no such thing turned up in the official listings, I was at a loss as to what to do with this stuff. A call to the person I got this from quickly fixed the problem. They informed me that it was Dhofar (1286) and not NWA material. Yep, this one is listed. This is mostly a medium gray with some lighter fragments mixed in (looking very much like a howardite, but it lacks diogenite material or hypersthene) .
a) 3.1 gram cut fragment - 25mm x 9mm x 8mm - $37
b) 11.4 gram cut fragment - 30mm x 20mm x 10mm - $130
MILLBILLILLIE, Australia: (Eucrite). Fell October 1960. Tkw = 150+ kilograms.
Now this is not your average Millbillillie. It is a complete individual that shows thick shiny black crust with lots of thick flow lines (there is a small natural chipped area from its fall - about 4mm by 20mm perhaps - on the bottom). There is some of the usual adhering orange dirt (mostly on the bottom again), but very thin and very little compared with most Millbillillie specimens. I have this set aside for probably 20 years or so. I got it back when Millbillillie first came out in quantity. This is a superior piece and I have priced it only a bit higher than what I have sold more typical Millbillillie specimens for (per gram wise) recently.
109.3 gram individual - 60mm x 38mm x 35mm - $1200
ZAGAMI, Nigeria: (Shergottite) . Fell October 3, 1962. Tkw = 18.1 kilograms.
This is just a nice basic rectangular shaped slice (with only one cut edge). It is thick enough that it could be cut into a couple (perhaps more if you have a wire saw) thinner slices. This is all the finer grained material (some pieces of Zagami were quite coarse grained) and only has a few small shock veins at one edge. Just a nice basic sample of a witnessed fall Mars rock (and my last substantial piece).
6.9 gram slice - 27mm x 19mm x 4mm - $3500
MOLDAVITE:
Here is something really special. At least I have never seen anything like it. This is a nicely sculpted large flat-ish individual. When I got this I noticed that it had a fairly long (about 17mm) crack that went all the way through the thicker portion of the specimen. I originally thought that this was a recent or water erroded break. WRONG! Careful inspection reveals that this is actually a break that occurred just as the specimen was really solidifying. Looking with a lens, you can see many fine needles of glass that connect both sides of the crack. These are stretched glass fibers that formed because the interior of this specimen was not quite solidified yet when this crack was formed. Really neat and really rare (?) and admittedly priced as such.
13.1gram individual - 38mm x 33mm x 8mm - $300
P.O. Box 1141
Delta, CO 81416
Ph/fax (970) 874-1487
…………………………………………………LIST 76
September 1, 2009
Dear Collectors,
Here is my first offering in a bit over two months. Things have been very busy this summer, both personally and business wise. I am just now beginning to think about the too soon to be here Denver Show (notes on that below). Many of the items listed today are special things that I have had set aside for quite a long time for my collection. The simple reason for this decision to offer them is that I just replaced my old, and until recently reliable, Toyota with a newer used car. Selling a few things here (or anywhere) will make the modest note I am carrying on that newer car go away. Maybe not the smartest decision from a longer term financial view (despite the "economic crisis" meteorites seem to be doing just fine and are, if anything, going up in value once again) but it will help me rest easier.
About the Denver Show:
I will be at my usual spot - Room 224 of the Holiday Inn at the intersection of I-25 and I-70. I will be open from late morning Tuesday September 15th through late afternoon Sunday September 20th (but will be gone from home roughly September 11th through September 22nd to allow some time to visit with a couple relatives fighting very serious illnesses a bit before and after the show). I know there is word spreading that many people will be showing up and selling by Saturday the 12th. It was against the show rules to be open before Tuesday noon before. No longer. Now many dealers are trying to endlessly stretch this show out (thinking that "the early bird gets the worm" - fine if you want worms I suppose) by arriving and opening a couple days earlier than anyone else. Soon this will get stretched out into another two week plus Tucson like event. I am sorry to say that I have no intention of playing this game. I have arrived a day or two early a couple times in the past. I never gained any extra sales from it. Most (if not all) meteorite buyers hold onto their money until they get a look at all that is going to be available before spending their money. The early days I have been at this show simply cost a lot in food (including beer, of coarse) and a really inflated motel room bill and generally did not generate enough sales to come close to covering those expenses.
CANYON DIABLO, Arizona: Graphite nodule.
I have not had one of these in a long time. This is a complete nodule that has been lightly brushed to clearly show its shiny gray graphite color. It does have the same color as a typical brushed Diablo for the most part. I showed it one person who did not believe that it was a graphite nodule. A simple demonstration of how well and easily you can write with the thing rapidly removed his doubts.
113.3 gram individual - 65mm x 35mm x 30mm - $150
NWA (5777): (H5), W2, S1. Found before February 2008, Tkw = 581.1 grams.
I picked up a single stone of this at the Tucson show in 2008. It was another one of those that the Moroccan seller kept telling me "primitive achondrite" but was not. It really does resemble the NWA (725) stuff though. It has the same external texture (even showing a large patch of nice black crust) and a virtually identical internal texture as well (lots of metal, very porous). Of coarse, it is the research that matters. This turned out to be an H chondrite, not an Acapucoite or Winonaite. I am offering ALL the pieces I have remaining after research specimens and thin-section pieces were removed. I thought about cutting it all up (the slices would be quite nice) but decided that it would be nice to leave it as intact as possible.
a) 10.0g complete slice - 35mm x 34mm x 4mm - $10
b) 515.7g main mass - 72mm x 67mm 50mm - $350
RICHFIELD, Kansas: (LL3.7). Found 1983, Tkw = 40.8 kilograms.
I once owned all of this, now I am down to just a few small pieces (I do have a 1714g complete slice that is likely the word's largest LL3 slice in private hands, but I think I already have a home for that one - but ask if interested just in case it turns out that I am wrong on that). I just got this little beauty back from a collector who was selling part of his collection. Someone though has polished both sides of this to a polish that I have never been able to achieve with my equipment. It was obviously polished by someone that has the super fine diamond equipment used for preparing thin-sections. This is a great specimen and priced (for now) a bit lower than what I have my other remaining specimens of Richfield at on my basic catalog.
19.8 gram slice - 50mm x 35mm x 3mm - $175
DHOFAR (1286), Oman: (Polymict eucrite). Found December 2005, Tkw = 898 grams.
I got a few bits of this in a trade some time ago. I set it aside as it was labeled NWA (1286), polymict eucrite (this, by the way, means that it has fragments of eucrite material from several different original rock sources that got mixed together rather than just one that got smashed up and re-solidified) . As no such thing turned up in the official listings, I was at a loss as to what to do with this stuff. A call to the person I got this from quickly fixed the problem. They informed me that it was Dhofar (1286) and not NWA material. Yep, this one is listed. This is mostly a medium gray with some lighter fragments mixed in (looking very much like a howardite, but it lacks diogenite material or hypersthene) .
a) 3.1 gram cut fragment - 25mm x 9mm x 8mm - $37
b) 11.4 gram cut fragment - 30mm x 20mm x 10mm - $130
MILLBILLILLIE, Australia: (Eucrite). Fell October 1960. Tkw = 150+ kilograms.
Now this is not your average Millbillillie. It is a complete individual that shows thick shiny black crust with lots of thick flow lines (there is a small natural chipped area from its fall - about 4mm by 20mm perhaps - on the bottom). There is some of the usual adhering orange dirt (mostly on the bottom again), but very thin and very little compared with most Millbillillie specimens. I have this set aside for probably 20 years or so. I got it back when Millbillillie first came out in quantity. This is a superior piece and I have priced it only a bit higher than what I have sold more typical Millbillillie specimens for (per gram wise) recently.
109.3 gram individual - 60mm x 38mm x 35mm - $1200
ZAGAMI, Nigeria: (Shergottite) . Fell October 3, 1962. Tkw = 18.1 kilograms.
This is just a nice basic rectangular shaped slice (with only one cut edge). It is thick enough that it could be cut into a couple (perhaps more if you have a wire saw) thinner slices. This is all the finer grained material (some pieces of Zagami were quite coarse grained) and only has a few small shock veins at one edge. Just a nice basic sample of a witnessed fall Mars rock (and my last substantial piece).
6.9 gram slice - 27mm x 19mm x 4mm - $3500
MOLDAVITE:
Here is something really special. At least I have never seen anything like it. This is a nicely sculpted large flat-ish individual. When I got this I noticed that it had a fairly long (about 17mm) crack that went all the way through the thicker portion of the specimen. I originally thought that this was a recent or water erroded break. WRONG! Careful inspection reveals that this is actually a break that occurred just as the specimen was really solidifying. Looking with a lens, you can see many fine needles of glass that connect both sides of the crack. These are stretched glass fibers that formed because the interior of this specimen was not quite solidified yet when this crack was formed. Really neat and really rare (?) and admittedly priced as such.
13.1gram individual - 38mm x 33mm x 8mm - $300
Wednesday, 24 June 2009
Blaine Reed Meteorites- List 75 23JUN09
Blaine Reed
P.O. Box 1141
Delta, CO 81416
(970) 874-1487
……………………………………………..LIST 75
June 23, 2009
Dear Collectors,
Here is my first e-mail offering in quite some time (I know, it is a week late). Things have been relatively busy here, both with meteorites and plenty of other things (some pleasant like friends visiting, some not like repairing transmissions) . Any way, I pulled a few interesting, mostly larger items unfortunately (my apologies to those of us on a tight budget), to offer to let you all know that I am still out here, raise a little money (partly for above mentioned transmission work) and make a few small openings on the shelves and in boxes in my office.
GIBEON, Namibia: Fine octahedrite (IVA). Found 1836.
Here is a nice little paperweight I prepared for a customer who decided that they really did not need it after I did the sanding and etching work on it. It is a nice natural golf-ball or so sized individual with some nice soft thumb printing. The customer wanted an end piece of Gibeon (which I did not have). This piece had a nice flat face (40mm x 30mm) that I sanded and etched. Not really an end piece, but a nice little display specimen none the less.
244.7 gram natural individual with 40mm x 30mm etched face - $220
GLORIETTA MOUNTAIN, New Mexico: (Pallasite).
I know, I just had these on my last offering. BUT, I quite rapidly sold out of all of those pieces. I had planned on simply giving a quick "I have more now" note here but then decided it better to take a little space and actually list the sizes I now have once more. These, as before, are all iron (no olivine). They have a fantastic vibrant etch (one of the best of any meteorites I have seen). These are thin, etched on both sides and all have at least one natural edge (and most have much more). I have been told that this is likely the end of this material for me, so get some now if you want a piece, it may not be available in the near future.
1) Slices, etched on both sides:
a) 10.3 grams - 50mm x 20mm x 1.5mm - $40
b) 21.6 grams - 45mm x 27mm x 2.5mm - $85
c) 41.2 grams - 56mm x 43mm x 2mm - $160
d) 62.1 grams - 64mm x 45mm x 3mm - $235
e) 123.1 grams - 82mm x 65mm x 2.5mm - $450
ALLENDE, Mexico: Carbonaceous chondrite (CV3). Fell February 8, 1969. Huss numbered.
This is a super fresh (likely picked up within a day or two of the fall) end piece. It has pristine black crust covering most (probably about 95%) of the backside. The cut face shows lots of CAIs, including a group that is about a centimeter across. What I had not noticed when I put this beautiful specimen aside long ago (probably 15 years or so) is that it has a Huss number (H103.79) painted on it (sorry, I could not find the associated card. I probably never had it, but I will send it to the buyer of this piece if it does turn up).
105.8 gram Huss numbered end piece - 56mm x 52mm x 16mm - $950
NWA Unclassified: Likely (L6).
I picked up this interesting specimen this February in Tucson. It showed raised black shock lines on a wind polished end (they are more resistant to erosion than the surrounding material). There were a couple obvious pieces that had broken off of the specimen at some time (long ago) that also were clearly fractured along internal shock lines. The remainder of the exterior shows some thumb printed fusion crust and lots of late atmospheric break "slickenside" surfaces (that have also developed small- scale thumb printing). In all, this rock appeared to likely contain tons of shock veins. I cut one nice end off (to give a 130mm x 75mm cut face). The interior was not quite what I had hoped for. There are a good number of obvious shock veins crossing the cut faces, but not the many dozens I had hoped for. An interesting (and affordable) specimen with plenty to show (particularly shock lines and how they effect meteorite break up) none the less.
1837 gram individual with end piece cut off (included ) - 140mm x 105mm x 75mm - $350
HUCKITTA, Australia: (Pallasite). Found 1924.
This is a fairly large chunk of the usual oxidized material. BUT, this is a really solid piece (most were highly fractured and broke apart easily). I did cut a small end (about 30mm x 22mm) off to show the interior (the usual dark angular olivine crystals in the metallic blue-gray magnetite/ hematite matrix). This piece could easily be cut down into lots of slices but is also quite nice the way it is.
506.7 gram fragment with 30mm x 22mm window - 80mm x 70mm x 40mm - $625
VACA MUERTA, Chile: (Mesosiderite) . Found 1861.
This is a LARGE end piece that I had in my display collection for probably 20 years now. I got it from the original source all those years ago and paid a pretty good premium for it due to its size and quality. It is not loaded with metal, but it does have a lot more than most Vaca specimens (including one roughly 1cm sized chunk in the middle of the polished face). It also shows a couple large eucritic inclusions. One (23mm x 13mm) is on the cut face and another (22mm x 15mm) is a round nodule hanging out of the side of the back.
1625.3 gram end piece - 110mm x 85mm x 85mm - $2500
CHINESE TEKTITES: A few select special/ interesting pieces.
1) 43.3g Dumb-bell.
This is not horribly special, just interesting in that it shows a high degree of water wear (smooth except a few shallow pits). With its fairly narrow neck (around 12mm diameter or less) between the two ends, I find it fairly surprising that it did not break while obviously being harshly beat around in a river for many years.
43.3 gram individual - 75mm x 23mm x 23mm - $15
2) 70.4 gram tear drop.
This is an excellent and interesting specimen. It has a very distinct tear drop shape with a thin neck and a large bulbous base. The neck also has a natural cooling (twisting, stretching?) crack that nearly severed the specimen as well.
70.4 gram individual - 75mm x 35mm x 30mm - $35
3) 60.5 gram HOLLOW individual:
This is the really special one. I had read about these awhile ago, but only recently was able to acquire one (actually two - I am hanging on to one for myself). These basically look like a regular rounded tektite, but they are very light for their size. They are basically hollow spheres that supposedly have the ancient high altitude atmosphere still trapped inside them (making them interesting to scientists, but they have to be cut or drilled open for analysis work on these gasses). I did some density work on this one and have determined that it contains a roughly 10 cubic centimeter hole inside. I am including a slightly smaller in volume similar shaped tektite individual that weighs almost 75 grams. Comparing this with the larger but lighter hollow specimen makes the difference very apparent.
60.5 gram individual - 45mm x 45mm x 25mm - $250
FULGURITES: Lightning fused rock from near Ouray, Colorado. Found June 30, 2000.
These are the largest fulgurite specimens I have ever had (I do have access to a huge beer-flat sized piece as well). They were found high on a mountainside near Ouray (about 60 miles south of me) at around 12,800 feet - so they may be some of the highest recovered as well. These are generally roughly tubular with some hints of branching but they re so large that this gets lost on some specimens. These are mostly gray to pinkish in color (due to the rhyolitic volcanic rocks that were fused to form these), but some show various colors (green, brown, bluish) glass among the bubbles and fused cobbles. Really neat pieces!
a) 276 grams - 120mm x 65mm x 50mm - $100 - nice tube with branch stub.
b) 337 grams - 115mm x 90mm x 40mm - $120 - many large attached rocks.
c) 448 grams - 150mm x 90mm x 55mm - $155 - nice branching tube with lots of cobbles.
d) 469 grams - 120mm x 95mm x 60mm - $165 - flattened tube. Shows swirled glass of many colors.
e) 510 grams - 130mm x 95mm x 80mm - $175 - large scale bubbly glass of many colors.
f) 765 grams - 120mm x 120mm x 80mm - $265 - the best of all!
P.O. Box 1141
Delta, CO 81416
(970) 874-1487
……………………………………………..LIST 75
June 23, 2009
Dear Collectors,
Here is my first e-mail offering in quite some time (I know, it is a week late). Things have been relatively busy here, both with meteorites and plenty of other things (some pleasant like friends visiting, some not like repairing transmissions) . Any way, I pulled a few interesting, mostly larger items unfortunately (my apologies to those of us on a tight budget), to offer to let you all know that I am still out here, raise a little money (partly for above mentioned transmission work) and make a few small openings on the shelves and in boxes in my office.
GIBEON, Namibia: Fine octahedrite (IVA). Found 1836.
Here is a nice little paperweight I prepared for a customer who decided that they really did not need it after I did the sanding and etching work on it. It is a nice natural golf-ball or so sized individual with some nice soft thumb printing. The customer wanted an end piece of Gibeon (which I did not have). This piece had a nice flat face (40mm x 30mm) that I sanded and etched. Not really an end piece, but a nice little display specimen none the less.
244.7 gram natural individual with 40mm x 30mm etched face - $220
GLORIETTA MOUNTAIN, New Mexico: (Pallasite).
I know, I just had these on my last offering. BUT, I quite rapidly sold out of all of those pieces. I had planned on simply giving a quick "I have more now" note here but then decided it better to take a little space and actually list the sizes I now have once more. These, as before, are all iron (no olivine). They have a fantastic vibrant etch (one of the best of any meteorites I have seen). These are thin, etched on both sides and all have at least one natural edge (and most have much more). I have been told that this is likely the end of this material for me, so get some now if you want a piece, it may not be available in the near future.
1) Slices, etched on both sides:
a) 10.3 grams - 50mm x 20mm x 1.5mm - $40
b) 21.6 grams - 45mm x 27mm x 2.5mm - $85
c) 41.2 grams - 56mm x 43mm x 2mm - $160
d) 62.1 grams - 64mm x 45mm x 3mm - $235
e) 123.1 grams - 82mm x 65mm x 2.5mm - $450
ALLENDE, Mexico: Carbonaceous chondrite (CV3). Fell February 8, 1969. Huss numbered.
This is a super fresh (likely picked up within a day or two of the fall) end piece. It has pristine black crust covering most (probably about 95%) of the backside. The cut face shows lots of CAIs, including a group that is about a centimeter across. What I had not noticed when I put this beautiful specimen aside long ago (probably 15 years or so) is that it has a Huss number (H103.79) painted on it (sorry, I could not find the associated card. I probably never had it, but I will send it to the buyer of this piece if it does turn up).
105.8 gram Huss numbered end piece - 56mm x 52mm x 16mm - $950
NWA Unclassified: Likely (L6).
I picked up this interesting specimen this February in Tucson. It showed raised black shock lines on a wind polished end (they are more resistant to erosion than the surrounding material). There were a couple obvious pieces that had broken off of the specimen at some time (long ago) that also were clearly fractured along internal shock lines. The remainder of the exterior shows some thumb printed fusion crust and lots of late atmospheric break "slickenside" surfaces (that have also developed small- scale thumb printing). In all, this rock appeared to likely contain tons of shock veins. I cut one nice end off (to give a 130mm x 75mm cut face). The interior was not quite what I had hoped for. There are a good number of obvious shock veins crossing the cut faces, but not the many dozens I had hoped for. An interesting (and affordable) specimen with plenty to show (particularly shock lines and how they effect meteorite break up) none the less.
1837 gram individual with end piece cut off (included ) - 140mm x 105mm x 75mm - $350
HUCKITTA, Australia: (Pallasite). Found 1924.
This is a fairly large chunk of the usual oxidized material. BUT, this is a really solid piece (most were highly fractured and broke apart easily). I did cut a small end (about 30mm x 22mm) off to show the interior (the usual dark angular olivine crystals in the metallic blue-gray magnetite/ hematite matrix). This piece could easily be cut down into lots of slices but is also quite nice the way it is.
506.7 gram fragment with 30mm x 22mm window - 80mm x 70mm x 40mm - $625
VACA MUERTA, Chile: (Mesosiderite) . Found 1861.
This is a LARGE end piece that I had in my display collection for probably 20 years now. I got it from the original source all those years ago and paid a pretty good premium for it due to its size and quality. It is not loaded with metal, but it does have a lot more than most Vaca specimens (including one roughly 1cm sized chunk in the middle of the polished face). It also shows a couple large eucritic inclusions. One (23mm x 13mm) is on the cut face and another (22mm x 15mm) is a round nodule hanging out of the side of the back.
1625.3 gram end piece - 110mm x 85mm x 85mm - $2500
CHINESE TEKTITES: A few select special/ interesting pieces.
1) 43.3g Dumb-bell.
This is not horribly special, just interesting in that it shows a high degree of water wear (smooth except a few shallow pits). With its fairly narrow neck (around 12mm diameter or less) between the two ends, I find it fairly surprising that it did not break while obviously being harshly beat around in a river for many years.
43.3 gram individual - 75mm x 23mm x 23mm - $15
2) 70.4 gram tear drop.
This is an excellent and interesting specimen. It has a very distinct tear drop shape with a thin neck and a large bulbous base. The neck also has a natural cooling (twisting, stretching?) crack that nearly severed the specimen as well.
70.4 gram individual - 75mm x 35mm x 30mm - $35
3) 60.5 gram HOLLOW individual:
This is the really special one. I had read about these awhile ago, but only recently was able to acquire one (actually two - I am hanging on to one for myself). These basically look like a regular rounded tektite, but they are very light for their size. They are basically hollow spheres that supposedly have the ancient high altitude atmosphere still trapped inside them (making them interesting to scientists, but they have to be cut or drilled open for analysis work on these gasses). I did some density work on this one and have determined that it contains a roughly 10 cubic centimeter hole inside. I am including a slightly smaller in volume similar shaped tektite individual that weighs almost 75 grams. Comparing this with the larger but lighter hollow specimen makes the difference very apparent.
60.5 gram individual - 45mm x 45mm x 25mm - $250
FULGURITES: Lightning fused rock from near Ouray, Colorado. Found June 30, 2000.
These are the largest fulgurite specimens I have ever had (I do have access to a huge beer-flat sized piece as well). They were found high on a mountainside near Ouray (about 60 miles south of me) at around 12,800 feet - so they may be some of the highest recovered as well. These are generally roughly tubular with some hints of branching but they re so large that this gets lost on some specimens. These are mostly gray to pinkish in color (due to the rhyolitic volcanic rocks that were fused to form these), but some show various colors (green, brown, bluish) glass among the bubbles and fused cobbles. Really neat pieces!
a) 276 grams - 120mm x 65mm x 50mm - $100 - nice tube with branch stub.
b) 337 grams - 115mm x 90mm x 40mm - $120 - many large attached rocks.
c) 448 grams - 150mm x 90mm x 55mm - $155 - nice branching tube with lots of cobbles.
d) 469 grams - 120mm x 95mm x 60mm - $165 - flattened tube. Shows swirled glass of many colors.
e) 510 grams - 130mm x 95mm x 80mm - $175 - large scale bubbly glass of many colors.
f) 765 grams - 120mm x 120mm x 80mm - $265 - the best of all!
Sunday, 10 May 2009
Thursday, 7 May 2009
Blaine Reed Meteorites List #74 mailed copy 7MAY09
brmeteorites_list@yahoogroups.com
Blaine Reed
P.O. Box 1141
Delta, CO 81416
Ph/fax: (970) 874 -1487
……………………………………………………………LIST 74
May 7, 2009
Dear Collectors,
Here is the e-mail version of the list I sent by mail to many. I just started to receive calls on it last night, so I am posting it too the rest of you this morning (I do try to be fair and let everyone have pretty much an equal chance at these things, but the post office and other circumstances often work against me). Any way I, as usual, have tried to be sure that I have a good selection of different materials at all price ranges so I have (hopefully) something for everyone. Enjoy!
GLORIETTA MOUNTAIN, New Mexico:
(Pallasite). Found 1884. Tkw = around 300kilograms.
Here are some etched slices of an iron individual of this beautiful meteorite. These were cut from a 135kg individual that was found May 19th, 2007 (a week or so after I went to the area, but all I found was how to really mess up my wrist in a couple days of swinging a metal-detector, unfortunately) . These are nice thin slices that show a vibrant etch structure on both sides.
1) Slices, etched on both sides:
a) 8.3 grams - 32mm x 14mm x 2mm - $34.00
b) 15.0 grams - 32mm x 30mm x 2mm - $60.00
c) 26.3 grams - 40mm x 37mm x 2mm - $105.00
d) 43.2 grams - 60mm x 42mm x 2mm - sold
e) 82.6 grams - 110mm x 50mm x 2.5mm - $320.00
f) 329.7 grams - 165mm x 65mm x 3mm - $1150.00 - Complete slice!
NWA (2134):
(H6). Found before February 2004. Tkw = 916 grams.
Here is one of the several H chondrites that I will have available in the not too distant future (but this is the only one I thought really worthy of cutting into slices). The seller of this thought that it may be (as well as the others) another piece of the NWA (725) Acapulcoite/ Winonaite (I have seen it listed as both) or an E-chondrite. This did indeed look like a good contender, both externally and internally. Unfortunately, the research work showed this to be an H chondrite. On the plus side, this one is very nice and fresh. Few H stones have come out of the Sahara looking as nice as this. It does have LOTS of metal and a few chondrules in a light gray matrix. It does indeed strongly resemble an Enstatite chondrite or NWA (725) internally (and even has a slight hint of a sulfur smell that an enstatite would have). This looks every bit as nice as a piece of Estacado I had recently, but at a fraction of the price.
1) Slices:
a) 4.5 grams - 25mm x 10mm x 5mm - $9.00
b) 9.0 grams - 30mm x 20mm x 5mm - $18.00
c) 20.3 grams - 36mm x 36mm x 5mm - $40.00
d) 46.1 grams - 70mm x 50mm x 4mm - $90.00 - Complete slice.
2) 145.4 gram end piece - 90mm x 56mm x 18mm - $220.00- Main mass!
NWA (4870):
(LL3.7), S2, W2. Found before September 2007. Tkw = 330 grams.
I picked up a single stone of this fantastic meteorite at the Denver show a couple years ago. If you like chondrules, you will like this one. It is loaded with generally large chondrules of many colors (grays and tans mostly) in a medium to dark brown matrix. This was originally going to be recorded as an anomalous chondrite and it may not be truly related to the LL clan. That part has not gotten done (but the note "large chondrules" was added to its classification report, I believe). Really nice none the less. Despite the "large" known weight, I have slightly less than 90 grams of this remaining.
1) Slices:
a) 1.9 grams - 17mm x 10mm x 3.5mm - $23.00
b) 3.5 grams - 25mm x 15mm x 3.5mm - $42.00
c) 7.2 grams - 32mm x 27mm x 3mm - $85.00
d) 11.9 grams - 45mm x 35mm x 2.5mm - $130.00 - complete slice.
e) 24.2 grams - 50mm x 44mm x 3.5mm - $240.00 - complete slice.
PONY CREEK, Texas:
(H4). Found 1947. Tkw = 4642 grams.
A single stone was purchased by Oscar Monig and remained unclassified in his collection until 1992. Recently, it was cut and a small amount has been made available to collectors. This is a good example of a moderately weathered chondrite. It shows a good amount of metal (some minor oxide veining is present) in a dark green/gray matrix.
1) Slices:
a) 2.6 grams - 15mm x 13mm x 3mm - $10.00
b) 5.3 grams - 30mm x 15mm x 3mm - $21.00
c) 10.4 grams - 28mm x 24mm x 4mm - $40.00
d) 20.6 grams - 45mm x 25mm x 5mm - sold
e) 45.4 grams - 60mm x 45mm x 6mm - $160.00 - looks like a full slice.
f) 102.7 grams - 80mm x 75mm x 5mm - $350.00 - 1/4 slice.
NWA (4502):
Carbonaceous chondrite (CV3). Found before September 2008. Tkw = about 35 kilograms.
Here are some pieces of a new CV meteorite that recently turned up. It is definitely different than the CV I had earlier (NWA 2086). This is a bit darker (and quite a bit harder - definitely used up some sanding belts preparing this stuff). It still has lots of chondrules of various (generally darker) colors in a fairly dark gray (almost black) matrix. There are also occasional irregular shaped pink to purple CAI's in some specimens as well. We originally thought that this might be a CR meteorite as it has a pretty strong attraction to a magnet (but then the CV clan has the widest range of magnetic attraction of any meteorite group). A rare, scientifically important and special addition to any collection at a great price!
1) Individuals as found:
a) 17.2 grams - 37mm x 22mm x 10mm - $68.00
b) 38.8 grams - 33mm x 32mm x 20mm - $150.00
c) 74.5 grams - 42mm x 34mm x 23mm - $280.00
d) 135.3 grams - 70mm x 45mm x 20mm - $400.00
2) End pieces:
a) 10.4 grams - 32mm x 22mm x 6mm - $45.00
b) 20.4 grams - 43mm x 27mm x 8mm - $90.00
c) 36.4 grams - 55mm x 40mm x 8mm - $150.00
d) 179.7 grams - 83mm x 56mm x 18mm - $670.00
NWA (5025):
Carbonaceous chondrite (CK4). Found before 2007. Tkw = 75 grams.
I had the NWA (5024) (CK4) on my October 2008 list. This is definitely something very different. This is unlike the typical CK's I have seen. This has lots of large chondrules (many layered) and clasts in a medium greenish gray matrix, making this look more like a CV meteorite than a CK.
1) Slices:
a) 1.4 grams - 15mm x 11mm x 3mm - $25.00
b) 2.6 grams - 20mm x 20mm x 3mm - $45.00
c) 5.2 grams - 33mm x 24mm x 2.5mm - $90.00 - complete slice.
2) Main Mass: 10.9 gram end piece - 33mm x 23mm x 9mm - $185.00
CAMEL DONGA, Australia
(Eucrite). Found 1984. Tkw = unknown, around 30kg perhaps. I have not had pieces of this in many years, probably not since shortly after it was first brought out in the mid 1980's (and shortly after I started being a dealer rather than just a collector). These are all nice little individuals as found (fairly recently, I believe). They do have some damage to the crust; adhering dirt along with some rust spots (Camel Donga is strange in that it contains a fair number of large blobs of iron internally. This iron is free of nickel and likely resulted from iron being reduced from some of the minerals in an impact event). They all still show a fairly good amount of the classic shiny crust with lots of fine flow lines that made this stuff so popular years ago. I don't have many of these, so don't wait to ask if you want one set aside for you.
1) Individuals as found:
a) .91 grams - 13mm x 7mm x 5mm - $28.00
b) 1.5 grams - 16mm x 8mm x 8mm - $45.00
c) 2.3 grams - 14mm x 10mm x 10mm - $65.00
d) 3.6 grams - 17mm x 16mm x 7mm - $95.00
e) 5.4 grams - 28mm x 15mm x 10mm - $135.00
IRGHIZITE:
Impact glass/ tektite.Many different impact glasses and tektites have been found near the 13km diameter Zhamanshin crater in Russia. I had some of these years ago and sold out. I came across more at the Tucson show. These are the "typical" stretched, ropy specimens that often have small round beads (micro tektites) adhering to them. This is the only case where tektites (Irghizites) are directly associated with micro-tektites. I tried to pick out really interesting shaped (particularly ropy) or micro-tektite rich specimens to offer here.
1) Individual pieces as found:
a) Small: about 12mm x 7mm x 5mm (roughly .3g each) - $5.00
b) Medium: about 16mm x 8mm x 5mm (roughly .6g each) - $10.00
c) Large: about 19mm x 12mm x 5mm (roughly 1.1g each) - $15.00
Please include postage; a couple dollars on small U.S. orders and about $2 per pound on larger items for 1st class (insurance is extra). On small overseas orders, $3 to $5 is generally plenty, and about $1 per ounce (28 grams) on larger items for air-mail. Registration is also recommended on overseas shipments - an extra $10.00.If you are sending a fax, simply begin transmitting when my line is answered. My new machine will automatically start and receive just as the manual said.
Blaine Reed
P.O. Box 1141
Delta, CO 81416
Ph/fax: (970) 874 -1487
……………………………………………………………LIST 74
May 7, 2009
Dear Collectors,
Here is the e-mail version of the list I sent by mail to many. I just started to receive calls on it last night, so I am posting it too the rest of you this morning (I do try to be fair and let everyone have pretty much an equal chance at these things, but the post office and other circumstances often work against me). Any way I, as usual, have tried to be sure that I have a good selection of different materials at all price ranges so I have (hopefully) something for everyone. Enjoy!
GLORIETTA MOUNTAIN, New Mexico:
(Pallasite). Found 1884. Tkw = around 300kilograms.
Here are some etched slices of an iron individual of this beautiful meteorite. These were cut from a 135kg individual that was found May 19th, 2007 (a week or so after I went to the area, but all I found was how to really mess up my wrist in a couple days of swinging a metal-detector, unfortunately) . These are nice thin slices that show a vibrant etch structure on both sides.
1) Slices, etched on both sides:
a) 8.3 grams - 32mm x 14mm x 2mm - $34.00
b) 15.0 grams - 32mm x 30mm x 2mm - $60.00
c) 26.3 grams - 40mm x 37mm x 2mm - $105.00
d) 43.2 grams - 60mm x 42mm x 2mm - sold
e) 82.6 grams - 110mm x 50mm x 2.5mm - $320.00
f) 329.7 grams - 165mm x 65mm x 3mm - $1150.00 - Complete slice!
NWA (2134):
(H6). Found before February 2004. Tkw = 916 grams.
Here is one of the several H chondrites that I will have available in the not too distant future (but this is the only one I thought really worthy of cutting into slices). The seller of this thought that it may be (as well as the others) another piece of the NWA (725) Acapulcoite/ Winonaite (I have seen it listed as both) or an E-chondrite. This did indeed look like a good contender, both externally and internally. Unfortunately, the research work showed this to be an H chondrite. On the plus side, this one is very nice and fresh. Few H stones have come out of the Sahara looking as nice as this. It does have LOTS of metal and a few chondrules in a light gray matrix. It does indeed strongly resemble an Enstatite chondrite or NWA (725) internally (and even has a slight hint of a sulfur smell that an enstatite would have). This looks every bit as nice as a piece of Estacado I had recently, but at a fraction of the price.
1) Slices:
a) 4.5 grams - 25mm x 10mm x 5mm - $9.00
b) 9.0 grams - 30mm x 20mm x 5mm - $18.00
c) 20.3 grams - 36mm x 36mm x 5mm - $40.00
d) 46.1 grams - 70mm x 50mm x 4mm - $90.00 - Complete slice.
2) 145.4 gram end piece - 90mm x 56mm x 18mm - $220.00- Main mass!
NWA (4870):
(LL3.7), S2, W2. Found before September 2007. Tkw = 330 grams.
I picked up a single stone of this fantastic meteorite at the Denver show a couple years ago. If you like chondrules, you will like this one. It is loaded with generally large chondrules of many colors (grays and tans mostly) in a medium to dark brown matrix. This was originally going to be recorded as an anomalous chondrite and it may not be truly related to the LL clan. That part has not gotten done (but the note "large chondrules" was added to its classification report, I believe). Really nice none the less. Despite the "large" known weight, I have slightly less than 90 grams of this remaining.
1) Slices:
a) 1.9 grams - 17mm x 10mm x 3.5mm - $23.00
b) 3.5 grams - 25mm x 15mm x 3.5mm - $42.00
c) 7.2 grams - 32mm x 27mm x 3mm - $85.00
d) 11.9 grams - 45mm x 35mm x 2.5mm - $130.00 - complete slice.
e) 24.2 grams - 50mm x 44mm x 3.5mm - $240.00 - complete slice.
PONY CREEK, Texas:
(H4). Found 1947. Tkw = 4642 grams.
A single stone was purchased by Oscar Monig and remained unclassified in his collection until 1992. Recently, it was cut and a small amount has been made available to collectors. This is a good example of a moderately weathered chondrite. It shows a good amount of metal (some minor oxide veining is present) in a dark green/gray matrix.
1) Slices:
a) 2.6 grams - 15mm x 13mm x 3mm - $10.00
b) 5.3 grams - 30mm x 15mm x 3mm - $21.00
c) 10.4 grams - 28mm x 24mm x 4mm - $40.00
d) 20.6 grams - 45mm x 25mm x 5mm - sold
e) 45.4 grams - 60mm x 45mm x 6mm - $160.00 - looks like a full slice.
f) 102.7 grams - 80mm x 75mm x 5mm - $350.00 - 1/4 slice.
NWA (4502):
Carbonaceous chondrite (CV3). Found before September 2008. Tkw = about 35 kilograms.
Here are some pieces of a new CV meteorite that recently turned up. It is definitely different than the CV I had earlier (NWA 2086). This is a bit darker (and quite a bit harder - definitely used up some sanding belts preparing this stuff). It still has lots of chondrules of various (generally darker) colors in a fairly dark gray (almost black) matrix. There are also occasional irregular shaped pink to purple CAI's in some specimens as well. We originally thought that this might be a CR meteorite as it has a pretty strong attraction to a magnet (but then the CV clan has the widest range of magnetic attraction of any meteorite group). A rare, scientifically important and special addition to any collection at a great price!
1) Individuals as found:
a) 17.2 grams - 37mm x 22mm x 10mm - $68.00
b) 38.8 grams - 33mm x 32mm x 20mm - $150.00
c) 74.5 grams - 42mm x 34mm x 23mm - $280.00
d) 135.3 grams - 70mm x 45mm x 20mm - $400.00
2) End pieces:
a) 10.4 grams - 32mm x 22mm x 6mm - $45.00
b) 20.4 grams - 43mm x 27mm x 8mm - $90.00
c) 36.4 grams - 55mm x 40mm x 8mm - $150.00
d) 179.7 grams - 83mm x 56mm x 18mm - $670.00
NWA (5025):
Carbonaceous chondrite (CK4). Found before 2007. Tkw = 75 grams.
I had the NWA (5024) (CK4) on my October 2008 list. This is definitely something very different. This is unlike the typical CK's I have seen. This has lots of large chondrules (many layered) and clasts in a medium greenish gray matrix, making this look more like a CV meteorite than a CK.
1) Slices:
a) 1.4 grams - 15mm x 11mm x 3mm - $25.00
b) 2.6 grams - 20mm x 20mm x 3mm - $45.00
c) 5.2 grams - 33mm x 24mm x 2.5mm - $90.00 - complete slice.
2) Main Mass: 10.9 gram end piece - 33mm x 23mm x 9mm - $185.00
CAMEL DONGA, Australia
(Eucrite). Found 1984. Tkw = unknown, around 30kg perhaps. I have not had pieces of this in many years, probably not since shortly after it was first brought out in the mid 1980's (and shortly after I started being a dealer rather than just a collector). These are all nice little individuals as found (fairly recently, I believe). They do have some damage to the crust; adhering dirt along with some rust spots (Camel Donga is strange in that it contains a fair number of large blobs of iron internally. This iron is free of nickel and likely resulted from iron being reduced from some of the minerals in an impact event). They all still show a fairly good amount of the classic shiny crust with lots of fine flow lines that made this stuff so popular years ago. I don't have many of these, so don't wait to ask if you want one set aside for you.
1) Individuals as found:
a) .91 grams - 13mm x 7mm x 5mm - $28.00
b) 1.5 grams - 16mm x 8mm x 8mm - $45.00
c) 2.3 grams - 14mm x 10mm x 10mm - $65.00
d) 3.6 grams - 17mm x 16mm x 7mm - $95.00
e) 5.4 grams - 28mm x 15mm x 10mm - $135.00
IRGHIZITE:
Impact glass/ tektite.Many different impact glasses and tektites have been found near the 13km diameter Zhamanshin crater in Russia. I had some of these years ago and sold out. I came across more at the Tucson show. These are the "typical" stretched, ropy specimens that often have small round beads (micro tektites) adhering to them. This is the only case where tektites (Irghizites) are directly associated with micro-tektites. I tried to pick out really interesting shaped (particularly ropy) or micro-tektite rich specimens to offer here.
1) Individual pieces as found:
a) Small: about 12mm x 7mm x 5mm (roughly .3g each) - $5.00
b) Medium: about 16mm x 8mm x 5mm (roughly .6g each) - $10.00
c) Large: about 19mm x 12mm x 5mm (roughly 1.1g each) - $15.00
Please include postage; a couple dollars on small U.S. orders and about $2 per pound on larger items for 1st class (insurance is extra). On small overseas orders, $3 to $5 is generally plenty, and about $1 per ounce (28 grams) on larger items for air-mail. Registration is also recommended on overseas shipments - an extra $10.00.If you are sending a fax, simply begin transmitting when my line is answered. My new machine will automatically start and receive just as the manual said.
Tuesday, 21 April 2009
Blaine Reed Meteorites List# 73 21APR09
Blaine Reed
P.O. Box 1141
Delta, CO 81416
Ph/fax: (970) 874-1487
…………………………………………………LIST 73
April 21, 2009
Dear Collectors,
Looking this over after just finishing typing, I notice that this is all semi- rare to really rare types (except the Etter), so look through this list carefully, there is a lot of interesting things hiding here. My next posting should be a copy of a mailed list I hope to be sending out soon to those of you on my mailing list. The posting of this may be slightly delayed from May 5th (the date I am supposed to put out my next e-mail posting) depending upon when I get the mailed version actually sent out (I try to time things so all of you will get it at roughly the same time). Denver spring show: Part of the delay in getting my mailed list out is from the fact that I will be visiting the Denver Spring show later this week (I will be gone the 23rd through about the 28th - weather determining, and it has been generally quite bad in the mountains lately, creating a lot of driving delays for me). The show is at the Holiday Inn at the intersection of I-25 and I-70 (same place I set up a room at for the September Fall show). This runs Friday through Sunday (April24th through 26th). I do not set up a room at this show, but consign a few items to Anne Black (thank you Anne!) who has a nice booth in the entrance hallway near the front desk. I will have other things with me as well. Be sure to let me know if any of you out there want me to bring any specific items for you (give me a contact phone number so I can figure out when we can meet).
AGOULT, Morocco: (Eucrite), unbrecciated.
Found March 200, tkw = 85g+.
This is my only piece remaining of this stuff that looks pretty much like Ibitira but lacks the gas bubbles. This is a nice slice that has nice crust along 60% or more of its edge. It is thick enough that it could easily be split into 2 or more thinner pieces.
4.8 gram slice - 23mm x 16mm x 4.5mm - $250
ETTER, Texas: (L5). Found 1965. Tkw = 338+kg.
This is a fantastic large display slice of this nice material. This was actually cut from a 180 pound piece I bought from a farmer back in 1993 (Robert Haag owned the end piece this was cut from for many years). It is currently my only piece of Etter and may be the only large complete slice still available out there in dealer's hands. This shows lots of metal (including a couple veins), a few large light green chondrules, plus a really large troilite complex (over 50mm long!) in a dark jade-green matrix.
1674 gram complete slice - 385mm x 215mm x 6mm - $3000
NWA 725: (Winonaite). Found July 4, 2000. Tkw = 3824g+.
This was originally classified as an Acapulcoite. Further work has shown it to be a Winonaite instead. This stuff has some dark chondrules in a light gray matrix (leading one researcher to comment that it should really be called a "W" chondrite as it is not truly an achondrite). This material so closely resembles an H chondrite (complete with lots of fresh metal) that it has caused me a lot of expense and grief having many similar looking things checked (I have a good assortment of nice H-chondrites that will soon be available from these efforts) to be sure they are not more of this rare stuff.
6.68 gram end piece - 24mm x 20mm x 10mm - $350
NWA 736: (H3.7). Tkw = 2766 grams.
I have offered piece of this from time to time over the years. I have very little left now. It is nice material. It shows lots of metal and small chondrules in a mixed light gray and tan matrix.
a) 2.3 gram cut fragment - 19mm x 15mm x 4mm - $10
b) 3.4 gram cut fragment - 20mm x 19mm x 5mm - $14
c) 4.9 gram cut fragment - 30mm x 20mm x 4mm - $20
d) 23.1 gram "slice" (wedged) - 45mm x 25mm x 8mm - $69
NWA 868: (LL6). Tkw = 201grams.
This is a little specimen from a meteorite that we (David Gregory and I) sent in to UCLA years ago. It went in along with the a piece of the now super famous NWA (869) (we were the original people that got some of this looked at and are the source of that number). So here is the last chance (this is the last specimen) to own a piece of the meteorite that was next in line for a number from probably the most famous of all NWAs. 2.8 gram cut fragment - 17mm x 16mm x 6mm - $12
NWA 1906: Rumurutiite (R4), S2, W2. Found 2003. Tkw = 560 grams. One piece of this that must have been nearly as round as a ball-bearing was found (probably really hard to cut as well). This is a complete nearly round slice. It shows many roughly centimeter sized dark chondrule-rich clasts in a dark brown matrix.
28.5 gram complete slice - 63mm x 60mm x 3mm - $450
NWA 1910: Enstatite chondrite (EL6). Found 2002, Tkw = 305 grams.
This is a nice fresh enstatite chondrite. It shows lots of fine grained metal (and the occasional metal vein) in a light gray matrix. It also has a fairly strong sulfur (rotten egg) smell that a good enstatite should have.
a) 1.2 gram part slice - 18mm x 7mm x 3mm - $65
b) 2.3 gram part slice - 18mm x 12mm x 3mm - $100
c) 4.5 gram part slice - 27mm x 17mm x 3mm - $190
NWA 4657: Carbonaceous chondrite (CK4). Tkw = 417grams.
There was one piece of this that Matt and I shared. I sold out of all of my pieces rapidly (this is VERY fresh material, making it quite popular with collectors). I believe that this may be the last piece that Matt had as well. This is a wonderful complete slice from near the center of the original mass (and thus has the largest surface area available).
27.0 gram complete slice - 60mm x 47mm x 4mm - $400
NWA 5028: Carbonaceous chondrite (CR2). Fnd 2007, Tkw = 2445grams.
This is one Matt picked up in Denver a couple years ago. He is keeping the main portion of it and these 2 nice thin pieces are the last specimens available to collectors. These show lots of chondrules in a dark (nearly black) matrix.
a) 7.4 gram part slice - 47mm x 28mm x 1.5mm - $250
b) 15.1 gram part slice - 64mm x 44mm x 1.5mm - $500
NWA 5426: Rumurutiite (R4), polymict breccia. Tkw = 285 grams.
Wow, I wish I had more of this (I do have a similar R chondrite that will be on a future mailed list but it is not quite as nice as this for breccia texture). I had a couple pieces of a likely paired meteorite a year or so ago and they flew out the door even without being fully studied and numbered (and at a price equal to or higher than this). This stuff shows fantastic structure with fragments of all kinds of different colors and textures in a light tan matrix.
a) 23.2 gram end piece - 61mm x 34mm x 5mm - $370
b) 31.4 gram end piece - 52mm x 45mm x 8mm - $500
c) 40.6 gram end piece - 53mm x 43mm x 10mm - $640 - lots of breccia fragments!
NWA 5488: (Lodranite), brecciated. Found 2008. Tkw = 110g.
I had slices of this neat and rare material on my January mailed list and quickly sold out (the fact that is does show a very nice breccia structure sure didn't hurt - some people came back and bought more after receiving their first specimen). Matt Morgan had a couple more pieces set aside that I picked up while visiting him last week (I have been making lots of trips to Denver lately). These are the last specimens available. I may consider breaking one of these up to offer smaller pieces later if they do not sell intact, so let me know if you are looking for a smaller piece.
a) 4.0 gram 1/2 slice - 30mm x 20mm x 2mm - $300
b) 9.7 gram complete slice - 40mm x 32mm x 2.5mm - $700
P.O. Box 1141
Delta, CO 81416
Ph/fax: (970) 874-1487
…………………………………………………LIST 73
April 21, 2009
Dear Collectors,
Looking this over after just finishing typing, I notice that this is all semi- rare to really rare types (except the Etter), so look through this list carefully, there is a lot of interesting things hiding here. My next posting should be a copy of a mailed list I hope to be sending out soon to those of you on my mailing list. The posting of this may be slightly delayed from May 5th (the date I am supposed to put out my next e-mail posting) depending upon when I get the mailed version actually sent out (I try to time things so all of you will get it at roughly the same time). Denver spring show: Part of the delay in getting my mailed list out is from the fact that I will be visiting the Denver Spring show later this week (I will be gone the 23rd through about the 28th - weather determining, and it has been generally quite bad in the mountains lately, creating a lot of driving delays for me). The show is at the Holiday Inn at the intersection of I-25 and I-70 (same place I set up a room at for the September Fall show). This runs Friday through Sunday (April24th through 26th). I do not set up a room at this show, but consign a few items to Anne Black (thank you Anne!) who has a nice booth in the entrance hallway near the front desk. I will have other things with me as well. Be sure to let me know if any of you out there want me to bring any specific items for you (give me a contact phone number so I can figure out when we can meet).
AGOULT, Morocco: (Eucrite), unbrecciated.
Found March 200, tkw = 85g+.
This is my only piece remaining of this stuff that looks pretty much like Ibitira but lacks the gas bubbles. This is a nice slice that has nice crust along 60% or more of its edge. It is thick enough that it could easily be split into 2 or more thinner pieces.
4.8 gram slice - 23mm x 16mm x 4.5mm - $250
ETTER, Texas: (L5). Found 1965. Tkw = 338+kg.
This is a fantastic large display slice of this nice material. This was actually cut from a 180 pound piece I bought from a farmer back in 1993 (Robert Haag owned the end piece this was cut from for many years). It is currently my only piece of Etter and may be the only large complete slice still available out there in dealer's hands. This shows lots of metal (including a couple veins), a few large light green chondrules, plus a really large troilite complex (over 50mm long!) in a dark jade-green matrix.
1674 gram complete slice - 385mm x 215mm x 6mm - $3000
NWA 725: (Winonaite). Found July 4, 2000. Tkw = 3824g+.
This was originally classified as an Acapulcoite. Further work has shown it to be a Winonaite instead. This stuff has some dark chondrules in a light gray matrix (leading one researcher to comment that it should really be called a "W" chondrite as it is not truly an achondrite). This material so closely resembles an H chondrite (complete with lots of fresh metal) that it has caused me a lot of expense and grief having many similar looking things checked (I have a good assortment of nice H-chondrites that will soon be available from these efforts) to be sure they are not more of this rare stuff.
6.68 gram end piece - 24mm x 20mm x 10mm - $350
NWA 736: (H3.7). Tkw = 2766 grams.
I have offered piece of this from time to time over the years. I have very little left now. It is nice material. It shows lots of metal and small chondrules in a mixed light gray and tan matrix.
a) 2.3 gram cut fragment - 19mm x 15mm x 4mm - $10
b) 3.4 gram cut fragment - 20mm x 19mm x 5mm - $14
c) 4.9 gram cut fragment - 30mm x 20mm x 4mm - $20
d) 23.1 gram "slice" (wedged) - 45mm x 25mm x 8mm - $69
NWA 868: (LL6). Tkw = 201grams.
This is a little specimen from a meteorite that we (David Gregory and I) sent in to UCLA years ago. It went in along with the a piece of the now super famous NWA (869) (we were the original people that got some of this looked at and are the source of that number). So here is the last chance (this is the last specimen) to own a piece of the meteorite that was next in line for a number from probably the most famous of all NWAs. 2.8 gram cut fragment - 17mm x 16mm x 6mm - $12
NWA 1906: Rumurutiite (R4), S2, W2. Found 2003. Tkw = 560 grams. One piece of this that must have been nearly as round as a ball-bearing was found (probably really hard to cut as well). This is a complete nearly round slice. It shows many roughly centimeter sized dark chondrule-rich clasts in a dark brown matrix.
28.5 gram complete slice - 63mm x 60mm x 3mm - $450
NWA 1910: Enstatite chondrite (EL6). Found 2002, Tkw = 305 grams.
This is a nice fresh enstatite chondrite. It shows lots of fine grained metal (and the occasional metal vein) in a light gray matrix. It also has a fairly strong sulfur (rotten egg) smell that a good enstatite should have.
a) 1.2 gram part slice - 18mm x 7mm x 3mm - $65
b) 2.3 gram part slice - 18mm x 12mm x 3mm - $100
c) 4.5 gram part slice - 27mm x 17mm x 3mm - $190
NWA 4657: Carbonaceous chondrite (CK4). Tkw = 417grams.
There was one piece of this that Matt and I shared. I sold out of all of my pieces rapidly (this is VERY fresh material, making it quite popular with collectors). I believe that this may be the last piece that Matt had as well. This is a wonderful complete slice from near the center of the original mass (and thus has the largest surface area available).
27.0 gram complete slice - 60mm x 47mm x 4mm - $400
NWA 5028: Carbonaceous chondrite (CR2). Fnd 2007, Tkw = 2445grams.
This is one Matt picked up in Denver a couple years ago. He is keeping the main portion of it and these 2 nice thin pieces are the last specimens available to collectors. These show lots of chondrules in a dark (nearly black) matrix.
a) 7.4 gram part slice - 47mm x 28mm x 1.5mm - $250
b) 15.1 gram part slice - 64mm x 44mm x 1.5mm - $500
NWA 5426: Rumurutiite (R4), polymict breccia. Tkw = 285 grams.
Wow, I wish I had more of this (I do have a similar R chondrite that will be on a future mailed list but it is not quite as nice as this for breccia texture). I had a couple pieces of a likely paired meteorite a year or so ago and they flew out the door even without being fully studied and numbered (and at a price equal to or higher than this). This stuff shows fantastic structure with fragments of all kinds of different colors and textures in a light tan matrix.
a) 23.2 gram end piece - 61mm x 34mm x 5mm - $370
b) 31.4 gram end piece - 52mm x 45mm x 8mm - $500
c) 40.6 gram end piece - 53mm x 43mm x 10mm - $640 - lots of breccia fragments!
NWA 5488: (Lodranite), brecciated. Found 2008. Tkw = 110g.
I had slices of this neat and rare material on my January mailed list and quickly sold out (the fact that is does show a very nice breccia structure sure didn't hurt - some people came back and bought more after receiving their first specimen). Matt Morgan had a couple more pieces set aside that I picked up while visiting him last week (I have been making lots of trips to Denver lately). These are the last specimens available. I may consider breaking one of these up to offer smaller pieces later if they do not sell intact, so let me know if you are looking for a smaller piece.
a) 4.0 gram 1/2 slice - 30mm x 20mm x 2mm - $300
b) 9.7 gram complete slice - 40mm x 32mm x 2.5mm - $700
Tuesday, 7 April 2009
Blaine Reed Meteorites List 72 7APR09
Blaine Reed
P.O. Box 1141
Delta, CO 81416
Ph/fax: (970) 874-1487…………………………………………………..LIST 72
April 7, 2009
Dear collectors,
Here is yet another offering of material I brought home from Tucson. I apologize that this is going out quite late (particularly for those of you overseas).
It is nice to know that the snow is starting to melt but spring here also brings ditch burning season here (farmers getting ready for the irrigation system to start flowing next week). The smoke and starting of things growing has set off my season of allergies and sinus headaches. I was in rough enough shape most of this morning that I could not seem to get any meaningful work done until now (early afternoon).
As usual, contact me as soon as possible if you want me to set anything aside for you. Enjoy!
BRENHAM, Kansas: (Pallasite).
This is a nice etched complete slice cut from a 69kg iron individual (actually kind of rare for this meteorite) found on October 30, 2005 by Steve Arnold. This shows a nice etch.
274.8 gram complete etched slice - 200mm x 60mm x 2mm - $450
CANYON DIABLO, Arizona: Coarse octahedrite (IAB).
This is a little wire brushed individual I sold to a collector in Florida many years ago. It has a fairly nice shape (Not a lump) and looks quite nice overall (it held up very well in the humid environment and is not rusting at all).
86.7 gram brushed individual - 50mm x 23mm x 16mm - $60
HENBURY, Australia: Medium octahedrite (IIIAB).
Found 1931.
This is a nice natural (not brushed) shrapnel shaped individual. I offered some similar pieces on an earlier mailed offering and quickly sold out. Here is on more chance for a "larger" Henbury specimen.
43.3 gram natural individual - 40mm x 20mm x 12mm - $55 SOLD
BLUFF (b), Texas: (L4). Found 1917. Tkw = 15.5 kilograms.
This is one of my favorite chondrites. It has a beautiful jade-green color unlike any other. This originally came from the Monig collection but this all sold rapidly and no more is available from that source. This piece is from a collector who bought it years ago when it was readily available. I kind of wish I bought a large piece for display myself now.
26.2 gram part slice - 50mm x 25mm x 6mm - $150
FRANCONIA, Arizona: (H5). Found October 31, 2002. Tkw = about 100kg.
Here are a couple individuals that each have a polished window that shows a bit of the interior, as if the finder was not certain that these pieces were meteorites despite the obvious fusion crust covering the rest of the specimens until they saw the chondrules and metal inside.
a) 25.8 gram individual - 30mm x 20mm x 18mm - $40
b) 80.5 gram individual - 35mm x 30mm x 30mm - $120
HAXTUN, Colorado: (H/L 4). Found 1975. Tkw = 45.5kg.
This is an interesting cut fragment of this strange material that has a "large" (about 3mm x 4mm) green chondrule showing on the cut and polished face.
17.5 gram cut fragment - 25mm x 13mm x 23mm - $60 SOLD
GAO - ???: Mystery slice.This is a complete fresh slice of a meteorite that a friend of mine received in a batch of Gao individuals he bought years ago. Its fresh black crust made it obvious that it was something different. The interior is a nice light gray (no rust spotting at all) with sparse chondrules and plenty of fresh metal. This looks to be either a type 5 or 6 (could be either L or H type, it is really hard to tell with this one) It is possible that this is indeed a fresh Gao piece that was picked up right after the fall (I have only seen one other such fresh Gao piece - a small slice from a museum) but it is more likely a new fall that got collected (unnoticed, unfortunately) by the people gathering up pieces of the older Gao fall. This stone, I was told, weighed only a few hundred grams and the other slices have already long since found new homes.
37.2 gram complete fresh slice - 47mm x 40mm x 7mm - $150 SOLD
NWA: Unclassified but likely (L6) with shock veins.
Here is a neat little individual I picked up that had obvious shock veins showing on its surface. I turned out to show these nicely on the interior as well after I cut it in half. The interior shows obvious breccia fragments that are separated by black shock veins. I really wish more of this one was available.
89.3 gram individual cut in half - 55mm x 35mm cut faces - $50 SOLD
ZAG, Western Sahara: (H3-6) breccia. Fell August 4 or 5, 1998. Tkw = about 175kg.
This fragment does show some weathering so it was not picked up immediately after the fall (as few were). It has a 38mm x 20mm patch of black crust and the interior looks like it shows breccia texture (darker type 3 material looks to be amply present). As much as I hate to say it, this piece would probably be really good for cutting up into nice slices.
124.4 gram fragment - 45mm x 35mm x 35mm - $175
NWA (2988), (Eucrite). Tkw = 4602grams.
Lunar look a like!This is really an NWA (482) (Lunar) look-alike. In fact the guys who bought this thought that it was indeed another piece of that famous meteorite. The science though says that this is really "just" a eucrite. Still neat and rare, but quite a let down when you thought you had a nearly 5kg lunar in your hands. This is indeed almost exactly like NWA (482) structurally (showing angular fragments and abundant dark shock veins). About the only real difference is that this material has a bit darker gray clasts and a bit lighter gray shock veins. Here is a chance to own the structure of NWA (482) (very popular and in demand) at less than 1/100th the price.
76.5 gram complete slice - 115mm x 90mm x 3mm - $1200 SOLD
ORGUEIL, France: Carbonaceous chondrite (CI1). Fell May 14, 1864.
This is a piece I forgot I had! Hard to imagine, I realize, but it was hiding in with some other special material I had set aside some years ago (so this one item is NOT a Tucson recovery). This is by far the largest and most solid piece I have of this extremely rare material. This is a nice solid chunk that was sealed in a plastic bag to protect it (which it seems did work as this specimen shows very little of the white sulfate weathering products I have seen on other pierces of this stuff over the years). It also has a Humbolt University label with it, though I cannot guarantee that it really belongs with this piece (it lists no weight and seems to indicate 3 pieces - not just one. Maybe there were 2 smaller specimens with this at one time and the label traveled along with the largest piece).
3.35 gram fragment - 16mm x 15mm x 12m - $4500 SOLD
P.O. Box 1141
Delta, CO 81416
Ph/fax: (970) 874-1487…………………………………………………..LIST 72
April 7, 2009
Dear collectors,
Here is yet another offering of material I brought home from Tucson. I apologize that this is going out quite late (particularly for those of you overseas).
It is nice to know that the snow is starting to melt but spring here also brings ditch burning season here (farmers getting ready for the irrigation system to start flowing next week). The smoke and starting of things growing has set off my season of allergies and sinus headaches. I was in rough enough shape most of this morning that I could not seem to get any meaningful work done until now (early afternoon).
As usual, contact me as soon as possible if you want me to set anything aside for you. Enjoy!
BRENHAM, Kansas: (Pallasite).
This is a nice etched complete slice cut from a 69kg iron individual (actually kind of rare for this meteorite) found on October 30, 2005 by Steve Arnold. This shows a nice etch.
274.8 gram complete etched slice - 200mm x 60mm x 2mm - $450
CANYON DIABLO, Arizona: Coarse octahedrite (IAB).
This is a little wire brushed individual I sold to a collector in Florida many years ago. It has a fairly nice shape (Not a lump) and looks quite nice overall (it held up very well in the humid environment and is not rusting at all).
86.7 gram brushed individual - 50mm x 23mm x 16mm - $60
HENBURY, Australia: Medium octahedrite (IIIAB).
Found 1931.
This is a nice natural (not brushed) shrapnel shaped individual. I offered some similar pieces on an earlier mailed offering and quickly sold out. Here is on more chance for a "larger" Henbury specimen.
43.3 gram natural individual - 40mm x 20mm x 12mm - $55 SOLD
BLUFF (b), Texas: (L4). Found 1917. Tkw = 15.5 kilograms.
This is one of my favorite chondrites. It has a beautiful jade-green color unlike any other. This originally came from the Monig collection but this all sold rapidly and no more is available from that source. This piece is from a collector who bought it years ago when it was readily available. I kind of wish I bought a large piece for display myself now.
26.2 gram part slice - 50mm x 25mm x 6mm - $150
FRANCONIA, Arizona: (H5). Found October 31, 2002. Tkw = about 100kg.
Here are a couple individuals that each have a polished window that shows a bit of the interior, as if the finder was not certain that these pieces were meteorites despite the obvious fusion crust covering the rest of the specimens until they saw the chondrules and metal inside.
a) 25.8 gram individual - 30mm x 20mm x 18mm - $40
b) 80.5 gram individual - 35mm x 30mm x 30mm - $120
HAXTUN, Colorado: (H/L 4). Found 1975. Tkw = 45.5kg.
This is an interesting cut fragment of this strange material that has a "large" (about 3mm x 4mm) green chondrule showing on the cut and polished face.
17.5 gram cut fragment - 25mm x 13mm x 23mm - $60 SOLD
GAO - ???: Mystery slice.This is a complete fresh slice of a meteorite that a friend of mine received in a batch of Gao individuals he bought years ago. Its fresh black crust made it obvious that it was something different. The interior is a nice light gray (no rust spotting at all) with sparse chondrules and plenty of fresh metal. This looks to be either a type 5 or 6 (could be either L or H type, it is really hard to tell with this one) It is possible that this is indeed a fresh Gao piece that was picked up right after the fall (I have only seen one other such fresh Gao piece - a small slice from a museum) but it is more likely a new fall that got collected (unnoticed, unfortunately) by the people gathering up pieces of the older Gao fall. This stone, I was told, weighed only a few hundred grams and the other slices have already long since found new homes.
37.2 gram complete fresh slice - 47mm x 40mm x 7mm - $150 SOLD
NWA: Unclassified but likely (L6) with shock veins.
Here is a neat little individual I picked up that had obvious shock veins showing on its surface. I turned out to show these nicely on the interior as well after I cut it in half. The interior shows obvious breccia fragments that are separated by black shock veins. I really wish more of this one was available.
89.3 gram individual cut in half - 55mm x 35mm cut faces - $50 SOLD
ZAG, Western Sahara: (H3-6) breccia. Fell August 4 or 5, 1998. Tkw = about 175kg.
This fragment does show some weathering so it was not picked up immediately after the fall (as few were). It has a 38mm x 20mm patch of black crust and the interior looks like it shows breccia texture (darker type 3 material looks to be amply present). As much as I hate to say it, this piece would probably be really good for cutting up into nice slices.
124.4 gram fragment - 45mm x 35mm x 35mm - $175
NWA (2988), (Eucrite). Tkw = 4602grams.
Lunar look a like!This is really an NWA (482) (Lunar) look-alike. In fact the guys who bought this thought that it was indeed another piece of that famous meteorite. The science though says that this is really "just" a eucrite. Still neat and rare, but quite a let down when you thought you had a nearly 5kg lunar in your hands. This is indeed almost exactly like NWA (482) structurally (showing angular fragments and abundant dark shock veins). About the only real difference is that this material has a bit darker gray clasts and a bit lighter gray shock veins. Here is a chance to own the structure of NWA (482) (very popular and in demand) at less than 1/100th the price.
76.5 gram complete slice - 115mm x 90mm x 3mm - $1200 SOLD
ORGUEIL, France: Carbonaceous chondrite (CI1). Fell May 14, 1864.
This is a piece I forgot I had! Hard to imagine, I realize, but it was hiding in with some other special material I had set aside some years ago (so this one item is NOT a Tucson recovery). This is by far the largest and most solid piece I have of this extremely rare material. This is a nice solid chunk that was sealed in a plastic bag to protect it (which it seems did work as this specimen shows very little of the white sulfate weathering products I have seen on other pierces of this stuff over the years). It also has a Humbolt University label with it, though I cannot guarantee that it really belongs with this piece (it lists no weight and seems to indicate 3 pieces - not just one. Maybe there were 2 smaller specimens with this at one time and the label traveled along with the largest piece).
3.35 gram fragment - 16mm x 15mm x 12m - $4500 SOLD
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