Project 10073 Record: Analysis of Suspected Rock Sample

This document details the administrative and scientific handling of a physical specimen submitted to the Air Force as a suspected Unidentified Aerial Phenomenon (UAP) object. On 16 July 1964, Major William R. Conner of the Air Force Special Weapons Center at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, forwarded a rock sample to the Foreign Technology Division (FTD) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. The sample had been discovered by a civilian and brought to the Kirtland office with the belief that it originated from a U.F.O. The submission was processed in accordance with AFR 200-2, paragraph 18 b. Upon receipt, the Aeronautical Systems Division's Materials Physics Division assigned the sample Analytical Branch No. 4-1241. A formal evaluation report, dated 30 July 1964, was prepared by 2/Lt Paul M. Maslona and reviewed by Captain D. S. Morrisey. The laboratory conducted emission spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and infrared spectroscopy on the sample. The results of the emission spectroscopy identified various elements including silicon, magnesium, aluminum, iron, sodium, zinc, titanium, potassium, and calcium. X-ray diffraction patterns indicated the presence of SiO2, noting that the sample was mostly amorphous and resembled pumice. Infrared spectroscopy confirmed the lack of any organic material, leading to the conclusion that the sample was a form of inorganic silicate. The final report concluded that the object was a silicate rock common to the Southwestern United States. On 6 August 1964, Colonel Eric T. Jonckheere of the Air Force Special Weapons Center was notified of these findings, with a recommendation that the civilian who submitted the sample be informed of the results.