mineral
Iron Meteorite
Siderite (Iron-Nickel Meteorite)
Hardness: 4-5. Color: Dark gray to black (exterior fusion crust), metallic silver (interior). Luster: Metallic. Crystal Structure: Octahedrite or Hexahedrite. Specific Gravity: 7.0-8.0. Highly magnetic.
- Hardness
- 4-5
- Luster
- Metallic
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Physical properties
Hardness: 4-5. Color: Dark gray to black (exterior fusion crust), metallic silver (interior). Luster: Metallic. Crystal Structure: Octahedrite or Hexahedrite. Specific Gravity: 7.0-8.0. Highly magnetic.
Formation & geological history
Formed in the molten cores of asteroids or small planets that were shattered billions of years ago. Estimated age is 4.5 billion years.
Uses & applications
Scientific research, high-end collector specimens, and luxury jewelry (slices showing Widmansttten patterns).
Geological facts
Most iron meteorites originate from the Main Asteroid Belt between Mars and Jupiter. They represent the core materials of early protoplanets.
Field identification & locations
Identify by presence of regmaglypts (thumbprint-like indentations), high density, strong magnetism, and a thin fusion crust. Found worldwide, often in deserts or ice fields where they stand out.
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