Handbook and Descriptive Catalogue of the Meteorite Collections in the United States National Museum (Classic Reprint)

Glass, science, and the sky: how stones from many places raise big questions about their origin. This overview surveys obsidian, tektites, and related glassy rocks, showing how their surface markings and test results fuel debates about cosmic versus terrestrial sources. The book presents observed forms, comparisons, and the careful reasoning scientists use to interpret these mysterious stones.From Iceland to Australia, the text contrasts the smooth, glossy surfaces of obsidians with the grooved, fluted textures seen on some tektites and moldavites. It explains why researchers consider multiple origins and how the markings change when exposed to acids, light, and time. This edition also discusses the challenges of identifying a meteorite origin among similar-looking rocks. How surface markings differ among obsedian-like rocks, tektites, and moldavites What fluorhydric acid tests reveal about the markings and possible origins Why size and orientation affect the development of surface features Examples of global localities and the evidence scientists weigh when judging originIdeal for readers of natural history, geology, and museum catalogs who want a concise, evidence-based look at how scientists study unusual glassy stones. Read more