igneous

Iron Meteorite

Siderite (Meteoric Iron-Nickel alloy)

Hardness: 4-5 (Mohs scale); Color: Dark brown to metallic silver-grey; Luster: Metallic; Crystal structure: Octahedral or Hexahedral; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 7.0 - 8.0 (Extremely heavy/dense)

Hardness: 4-5 (Mohs scale)
Color: Dark brown to metallic silver-grey
Luster: Metallic

Identified April 3, 2026More igneous →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed in the molten cores of differentiated asteroids or protoplanets early in the solar system's history (approx. 4.5 billion years ago). They were released into space via massive collisions.

Uses & applications

Primarily for scientific research and private collection. Highly valued by museums and space enthusiasts. Historically used as a source of iron by ancient civilizations.

Geological facts

Many iron meteorites exhibit Widmanstätten patterns—a unique crisscross crystalline structure visible when sliced and etched, which can only form by cooling extremely slowly over millions of years.

Field identification & locations

Identify by high density (very heavy for its size), strong magnetism, and a fusion crust (a dark, thin rind). In the field, look for 'regmaglypts' (thumbprint-like depressions) on the surface.

Other igneous specimens

See all

Blue Apatite

Fluorapatite (Ca5(PO4)3F)

mineral

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

Magnetite

Iron(II,III) oxide (Fe3O4)

mineral

Sodalite

Sodalite - Na8(Al6Si6O24)Cl2

mineral

Blue Apatite

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

mineral

Magnetite

Magnetite (Fe3O4)

mineral