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Identity HelpWhat is This?

22nd Oct 2018 14:25 UTCSteven Dittman

I am looking for help in identifying an item found in the Ammonnoosuc River in New Hampshire. While cleaning out the dirt between large rocks a large nugget was unearthed. The specimen weighs 1.6 grams. Using Archimedes' principle to determine the density, it was found to be about 2.4 grams / cm3. The specimen is non-metallic as it is both nonconductive and non-magnetic. The specimen will not scratch a penny, in fact it leaves a silver residue on the penny. Any information that you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

22nd Oct 2018 14:55 UTCWayne Corwin

Welcome to Mindat Steven !

Does it also leave a silvery streak on unglazed porcelen?

How far apart were your probes when you tested for conductive?

22nd Oct 2018 14:55 UTCNoah L.

solid Platinum?

22nd Oct 2018 16:17 UTCTõnu Pani

Aluminium?

22nd Oct 2018 16:22 UTCDonald B Peck Expert

I think Tonu may have nailed it. The density and appearance are about right. Somebody dropped a beer/soda can in a fire?

22nd Oct 2018 16:34 UTCBenjamin Oelkers

The conductivity test may be misleading if you did not get a good contact on both probes. Given the appearance, this almost certainly is a metal (aluminium being most likely), and as such it should be conductive. Try only contacting the shiny, silvery areas of the nugget, that should get you a realistic result.

22nd Oct 2018 17:04 UTCKevin Hean

If Donald is right about a beer can in a fire it would have quite a an Aluminium Oxide coating which is an insulator.

22nd Oct 2018 20:53 UTCSteven Dittman

I guess I need some remedial training on how to use my multi-meter. I rechecked the specimen and found that it is conductive! I agree with the beer can melted in a fire answer, so what brand of beer was it? Just kidding, thanks for all of the responses.