igneous

Iron Meteorite

Siderite (Fe-Ni alloy, primarily Kamacite and Taenite)

Hardness: 4-5 on Mohs scale; Color: Dark brown to black (fusion crust/weathered) or metallic silver (fresh interior); Luster: Metallic; Crystal Structure: Isometric (often with Widmanstätten patterns); Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 7.0–8.0 (extremely heavy).

Hardness: 4-5 on Mohs scale
Luster: Metallic

Identified March 15, 2026More igneous →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed in the molten cores of asteroids or planetesimals during the early formation of the solar system (approx. 4.5 billion years ago) that were later shattered by collisions.

Uses & applications

Used primarily for scientific research, high-end collector specimens, unique jewelry (slices), and as a historical source of iron before ore mining.

Geological facts

Iron meteorites represent the cores of early planetary bodies. The Gibeon meteorite and Canyon Diablo (Meteor Crater) specimens are among the most famous examples of this material.

Field identification & locations

Identify by extreme weight for its size, strong magnetism, and a characteristic 'fusion crust' or regmaglypts (thumbprint-like indentations) on the surface. Found globally but most easily recovered in deserts or polar regions.

Other igneous specimens

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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