I found a very shiny reddish rock in my backyard and i think it is a meteorite. It looks like it may have fallen through the atmosphere. Is it dangerous? Can I sell it on ebay?
2007-06-28 04:44:27 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology
sell it on ebay anyway. you're bound to get at LEAST 50 bucks for it. that's what i'd pay anyway.
2007-06-28 04:50:23 · answer #1 · answered by hg mccain 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
How I understand it is there are different kinds of meteorites. Not all are iron. They could have different metals in them. The surface is usually pock marked (similar to dimples on a golf ball, but not that small.)Make a call to the science dept at a good college or call a science museum in your area. I wouldn't keep it under my pillow though. You never know! The outside color will be darker because when the meteor enters earth's atmosphere, it heats up red hot. There will be burn marks as it tumbles and slows in our atmosphere. Not necessaraliy a crater, but might have broken up on impact (if it was not iron). Iron meteorites are very heavy, heavier than they appear to be. Iron meteorites are more valuable (usually) and more rare. Ask the museum if they will buy it or donate it to them with your story of locating it maybe with your name for all to see it if it goes on display. It may not be displayed in the public eye. As far as E-Bay, it needs to be authenticated by a reliable source with a certificate or acknowledgement. You wouldn't want to sell a fake and end up deceiving your buyer. There is a great # of artifacts a museum keeps in inventory for future study. It may never be displayed. Congratulations, on a hopefully great find! I have something I found so long ago, I forgot where I got it. About the size of a marble. Been meaning to bring it in as per my above suggestions, just have never gotten around to it. Now, after reading your post, I will !
2007-06-28 05:18:34 · answer #2 · answered by wannabuildaboatguy 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Shiny reddish rocks sounds like jasper or carnelian which are far more common because they are both forms of more common minerals (quartz and chalcedony respectively)
The iron in meteorites tends not to oxidize as easily because its bound with other things like nickel. Usually when you find a meteorite it is grey/silver or black and has a very, very metallic luster.
Take it to a local university's geo department and talk to someone.
2007-06-28 04:53:16 · answer #3 · answered by Lady Geologist 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can sell almost anything on E-Bay. But check on their rules: They tend to frown on misrepresented merchandise.
I doubt it's dangerous, since you're not suffering any ill effects. And there are rocks from this world that are shiny and reddish, including some forms of garnet that might look like what you have.
It does sound like an interesting rock. Maybe you can find someone at a local university who can identify it for you.
2007-06-28 04:56:05 · answer #4 · answered by Tigger 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
it could be a meteorite though i would recommend looking online for tell tale charateristics of meteorites. I would not sell it on EBay because if it turns out not to be a meteorite then the buyer could potentially sue you.
2007-06-28 04:54:18 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
meteorites have large amounts of iron in them. If it sticks to a magnet then it probably is.
2007-06-28 04:48:18 · answer #6 · answered by PittBullBilly 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Probably just condensed dookie thats fallen from a plane. Sell it!
2007-06-28 04:52:52 · answer #7 · answered by meetbleek23 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Was there an impact crater? If not, I doubt that it is a meteorite.
2007-06-28 04:47:44 · answer #8 · answered by Matthew H 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
bob pooped in your backyard last week when we were shroomin'. did you find the one i left in your kitchen? Surprise!!
2007-06-28 05:41:46 · answer #9 · answered by C Deezy McCain 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
take it to a scientist or something. it might be worth something. I WANNA SEE!!
2007-06-28 06:21:12 · answer #10 · answered by ♥ F@$H!0N ♥ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋