Is this a meteorite?

Jimmy Garlic

I recently found this in a field that was recently drained-



It is really heavy, as heavy as iron. Could it be a meteorite?.

murphyme2010

Jimmy Garlic wrote: »

I recently found this in a field that was recently drained-



It is really heavy, as heavy as iron. Could it be a meteorite?.

I'd take it to the geology department of your nearest university. Someone there should be able to tell you.

Michael.

Jimmy Garlic

murphyme2010 wrote: »

I'd take it to the geology department of your nearest university. Someone there should be able to tell you.

Michael.

I see what you mean, but it would be nice to have some idea first. I don't want to go in like a muppet with a rock.

namloc1980

Jimmy Garlic wrote: »

I see what you mean, but it would be nice to have some idea first. I don't want to go in like a muppet with a rock.

It could well be. Here's a picture of a meteorite that looks a little like your one:



or it could just be an earth rock. As advised take it to the local Geology Dept or ring them up first and describe it...they may want to take a closer look at it.

kneemos

I think they are charred black with rounded edges.I don't think yours is a meteorite.

Maudi

Jimmy Garlic wrote: »

I recently found this in a field that was recently drained-



It is really heavy, as heavy as iron. Could it be a meteorite?.

be cool if it was!! but could it be 'bog iron'?naturally occuring lumps of iron..found in bogs....keep us informed tho..

kneemos

Looks like a rusted piece of iron,if it's flat on the bottom it could well be man made.

Jimmy Garlic

kneemos wrote: »

Looks like a rusted piece of iron,if it's flat on the bottom it could well be man made.

Nope, it is definitely not man made.

Jimmy Garlic

Maudi wrote: »

be cool if it was!! but could it be 'bog iron'?naturally occuring lumps of iron..found in bogs....keep us informed tho..

I found it on good pasture land.

kneemos

lump of iron from a medieval smelting works.The only wild stab in the dark I can think of.As you probably know meteorites can be quite valuable if you get hold of one.Difficult to find in Ireland though I'd imagine.

dahamsta

I see what you mean, but it would be nice to have some idea first. I don't want to go in like a muppet with a rock.

It's a Geology Department. They think rocks /are/ Muppets.

Jimmy Garlic

kneemos wrote: »

lump of iron from a medieval smelting works.The only wild stab in the dark I can think of.As you probably know meteorites can be quite valuable if you get hold of one.Difficult to find in Ireland though I'd imagine.

Yes, it could be. It is definitely metal, the sheer weight of it means it couldn't be anything else but metal. I found it in an area where the bedrock is sandstone, I don't know if that makes any difference or not.

kneemos

Jimmy Garlic wrote: »

Yes, it could be. It is definitely metal, the sheer weight of it means it couldn't be anything else but metal. I found it in an area where the bedrock is sandstone, I don't know if that makes any difference or not.

My knowledge of mining and smelting is zero I'm afraid.

Rubecula

Jimmy Garlic wrote: »

Yes, it could be. It is definitely metal, the sheer weight of it means it couldn't be anything else but metal. I found it in an area where the bedrock is sandstone, I don't know if that makes any difference or not.

Can soon check for metal content. use a magnet. See if it pulls on a fridge door for example ( Won't hold much weight but you should feel a tug)

If it is metallic it would be worthwhile getting an expert opinion, if a meteorite it will be valuable, if slag it will be interesting.

If it doesn't pull on a magnet it could be interesting in other ways. Also check to see if it deflects a compass held nearby. A few simple tests like that will guide you.