Expert: C. Robert Reszka, Jr. - 10/31/2009

Question
I found this rock that is black and is nothing close to being round it has little white spots that are different shapes and sizes.I asked my dad what it was and he said it looked like a meteor but he wasn't sure can you tell me what it is?

Answer
Hi Jacob,
In order to get an idea of what you have I am going to need a picture.  There are too many rocks that could fit your description.  If you do send me a picture, with another question, make sure it has something in it to tell me the size; a coin will do.  Also, where did find it?  How heavy is it?  Is a magnet attracted to it?  Can you scratch it with a knife or pin?  Is it soft enough to rub some "color" off on your fingers?

A couple things...a meteorite, at least an iron/nickle one is a LOT heavier than you think.  Everyone has an idea on how heavy they think a normal rock should be.  We have all handled them.  If it is a LOT heavier than it should be then it might be a meteorite.

If it looks like glass, and if you are from the West (Idaho, California, Wyoming, etc) it could be a piece of snowflake obsidian.  Here's a picture and some information on snowflake obsidian:

http://www.mindat.org/min-8520.html

If the above doesn't answer your question please send me a picture and I will see if I can recognize what you have.

Hope this helps
Bob