New for 2001-BCC9807

Fusion crusted nickel Micro-Meteorites preserved in a densely compacted hand

sample of volcanic ash !

    One of our most unusual finds is a mass originally weighing 230 grams. The (cretaceous era), volcanic ash hand sample contains numerous fusion crusted nickel micro-meteorites, some as small as perfectly rounded dust particles and many appear hollow in thin section. The sample was broken down to centimeter size fragments, and three sizes of product will be available for sale or trade. (This is the only sample that we can use for trade). Available will be fine, medium, coarse grained, and fragments (with volcanic ash), all fusion crusted nickel. An attempt was made to preserve as much volcanic ash as possible however from the smaller sub <mm grains however, in order to view the sample, modest cleaning had to take place. The larger fragments are unaltered and the material contains remnant ash inside melted cavities and pores surrounding all the grains and fragments. Because so little of this sample is available, we will only part with 50-75 grams. Will be sold at $500.00 per gram.
 
 
Note the cracked thin section as a result of polishing extremely hard Ni grains on diamond wheel. Coarse grained material on right.
 
    Nickel micro-meteorites preserved in volcanic ash. It appears this sample contains some impact glass particles and fragments in addition to the abundant volcanic ash. Right, thin section showing Ni  with crystalline debris in center. Stereo photomicrographs and transmitted light microscopy, Courtesy  Molecular Expressions.

Photomicrographs of this sample

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