Meteorite Test, Fast, Easy and Cheap! Options

[ASTROBLEME]

Hello Meteorite Hunters:

I wanted to let you know about my chemical testing for nickel in the sample of the suspected Westcliffe Meteorite that is discussed in the Space and Astronomy thread. If you have found a suspected meteorite, there is some good information on the web about identification, but if the specimen is not a "fresh fall" or otherwise lacking a fusion crust, you will likely have difficulty in getting a proper determination as to what is is. In order to avoid spending hundreds of dollars on labs and research scientists, this is what I do for quick analysis of my suspected meteorite samples. You'll need an eyedropper, two glass vials, muriatic acid, clear ammonia and a bottle of Nickel Alert Detect. Follow all precautions and warning labels on the products.

METHOD USED FOR WESTCLIFFE METEORITE NICKEL DETERMINATION
I separated a small fraction of metallic grains from the Westcliffe Meteorite using a magnet on material that had been crushed down to 200 mesh. These tiny grains were placed in a clean glass vial and submerged in 3 drops of muriatic acid for two hours. By then, the acid had taken on a slight greenish hue so it was transferred away from the metallic grains into separate glass vial for further processing (Vial Transfer.jpg). Two drops of “Nickel Alert”, a commercially available dimethyglyoxime solution used for nickel testing was added to the vial. Intense red coloration formed when the Nickel Alert was mixed in but the color quickly faded away (DMG drops.jpg). Clear ammonia was then added into the vial drop-by-drop until the coloration stabilized (final result.jpg).

RESULTS
Given the small sample size, the deep red coloration is indicative of substantial nickel content. Photos of the process are attached below. If you do not see a pink or red coloration, then you likely don't have a meteorite. Only a very few meteorites contain no nickel and the authentication for those specimens will take years and LOTS of money to accomplish.

GOOD LUCK