If you come across an unusual dark rock, you might ask yourself, “What could this rock have been brought by from Mars? But it takes more than just looking at the colour, weight and shape of a rock to prove it is a Martian meteorite.
Martian Meteorite Identification is a combination of preliminary visual analysis and advanced laboratory analysis to help identify rocks of extraterrestrial origin from rocks of terrestrial origin.
These differences will help inform collectors and science buffs in the Philippines on avoiding obtaining false specimens and unnecessary tests.
Martian Meteorite Identification: Key Visual Markers
Most martian meteorites are igneous, and some have a thin dark fusion crust on the outside produced when the meteorite enters the atmosphere. The inside of these may have unique mineral textures but external appearance does not prove that they are from Mars.
Magnetic and Streak Tests for Suspected Meteorites
To determine the strength of the magnet’s magnetic effect, you can use a weak magnet to test it, and a ceramic streak test can provide information about common terrestrial minerals. When hematite occurs as a streak it is reddish, and when it occurs as a streak it is dark. The tests alone do not prove that a rock is a meteorite.
Common Meteorite Lookalikes and Warning Signs
Meteorites often appear very similar to materials produced by industry, such as industrial slag, volcanic rocks and minerals that are high in iron content. Larger gas bubbles, irregular surface holes and manmade melting surface characters frequently indicate presence of terrestrial origins. Magnetism and black color should not be considered as a surefire indicator.
How Scientists Verify a Genuine Martian Meteorite
Researchers study the noble gases, oxygen isotopes and mineral composition of some meteorites. Requiring specialised laboratory equipment and expertise, matching atmospheric signatures with measurements taken by NASA’s Mars missions gives convincing evidence of the Martian origin.
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