Is this a test to determine my find is a meteorite?

Question

I did some research on the internet after finding a heavy, very metalic rock. I'm pretty sure I read that if you put a few drops of hydrochloric acid on it it will fizzle if it's from earth. Now I can't find it the site. Can anyone help me out here? Thanks.

Answer 1

If it fizzes with an acid, it is a carbonate, so not a meteorite



People are fascinated by meteorites, but in most cases what they have found is not a meteorite, but terrestrial rock, or the result of human activity. Unless you have found a specimen in a location (such as the

Arctic) where it cannot possibly be terrestrial then apply extreme scepticism as to extraterrestrial origin.

Rocks commonly confused with meteorites by non-specialists include:

Haematite nodules, Foundry slag, Clinker, Marcasite nodules,

Magnetite, Human artefacts e.g. musket balls

Meteorites, some online resources:

http://epswww.unm.edu/iom/howto.htm

A good guide, includes how to test commonly mis-identified items

http://www.star-bits.com/ID.htm

Excellent guide to what is NOT a meteorite

http://www.filmright.net/Mediaright/Mete...

http://geologynet.com/esa/space/craters/...

Good.

Answer 2

Hydrochloric acid will fizzle whether its terrestrial or not.

Is it magnetic?

You can etch the surface with acid to see if you see a crystal pattern in the metal - then yes its a meteorite:

http://geology.missouri.edu/rockid.html