igneous

Iron Meteorite (likely an Individual specimen)

Iron Meteorite (Group IAB, IIAB, IIIAB, etc., Fe-Ni alloy)

Hardness: 4-5 on Mohs scale; Color: Dark brown to black (fusion crust) or metallic silver-grey; Luster: Metallic; Crystal process: Widmanstätten pattern (octahedrites) when etched; Specific Gravity: 7.0-8.0

Hardness: 4-5 on Mohs scale
Color: Dark brown to black (fusion crust) or metallic silver-grey
Luster: Metallic

Identified May 26, 2026More igneous →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed in the molten cores of asteroids that were shattered by impacts in the early solar system, roughly 4.5 billion years ago. They reach Earth after traveling through interplanetary space.

Uses & applications

Predominantly used for scientific research and as highly prized collector's items. Larger specimens may be used in jewelry (slices) or high-end watch dials.

Geological facts

Iron meteorites are much rarer than stony meteorites but easier to find because they are distinctly heavy and magnetic. They represent the core materials of ancient planetary bodies.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by high density (very heavy for its size), strong attraction to magnets, and the presence of regmaglypts (thumbprint-like indentations) or a dark fusion crust.

Other igneous specimens

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Blue Apatite

Fluorapatite (Ca5(PO4)3F)

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Dark Igneous Rock (Likely Basalt or Diabase)

Basalt (extrusive igneous rock) or Diabase (intrusive igneous rock - also known as Dolerite), largely composed of plagioclase feldspar, pyroxene (augite), and sometimes olivine and amphibole. Exact mineralogy would require thin section analysis.

Igneous

Dalmatian Jasper

Aplite with Arfvedsonite inclusions

igneous

Magnetite

Iron(II,III) oxide (Fe3O4)

mineral

Blue Apatite

Apatite (Group), Ca5(PO4)3(F,Cl,OH)

mineral

Sodalite

Sodalite - Na8(Al6Si6O24)Cl2

mineral