2ti() 



L. L. Snuth — ihi Australian Meteorite. 



direction. Tl>e meteorite is covered with a vaniisli-like 

 coatinsi', reddish brown in ('()h)r, and on the back where it lias 

 been lying on the ground there is also a rougher black oxide 

 incrustation. There are several distinct cracks, caused, no 

 doubt, by sudden heating on entering the atmosphere. The 

 metal is tough, but may be cut with a hack-saw. An etched 

 face indicates a tine brecciated structure, the particles vai-ying 



Fig. 2. 



in size, but not exceeding 5''" in diameter in the sections so far 

 polished. The grains are probably kamacite, and are sur- 

 rounded by fine fissures hlled with troilite. They are charac- 

 terized by brilliant, depressed JN'eumann lines. The chemical 

 composition has not yet been determined, but is now being 

 undertaken and a careful micro-metallographical examination 

 will also be made. I am making enquiries with a view to 

 finding the probable date of the fall. It appears hardly likely 

 that this took place previous to the erection of the vermin- 

 proof fencing some five yeai-s ago. Australian bushmen are 

 very observant, and this isolated stone would not have been 

 overlooked in a position less than half a mile fi-om where the 

 fencers were working. The holes also would fill with sand in 

 a few years. It is probable, therefore, that the Murnpeowie 

 meteorite is a recent arrival. 



S. A. School of Mines Museum, March 4, 1910. 



