igneous

Iron Meteorite (Individual)

Siderite (composed of Kamacite and Taenite minerals)

Hardness: 4.5-5.5 | Color: Dark brown to black (fusion crust) or metallic silver (when cut) | Luster: Metallic | Crystal structure: Octahedral or hexahedral | Specific Gravity: 7.0 - 8.0 (vibrant/heavy for its size)

Hardness: 4

Identified March 31, 2026More igneous →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed in the molten cores of differentiated asteroids roughly 4.5 billion years ago. These extraterrestrial rocks were ejected via massive collisions and eventually fell to Earth.

Uses & applications

High-value collector items, scientific research into the early solar system, and artisanal jewelry (watches, rings with Widmanstätten patterns).

Geological facts

Iron meteorites represent the cores of shattered planetesimals. When etched with acid, they reveal the 'Widmanstätten pattern,' an interlocking crystal structure that cannot be replicated on Earth because it requires millions of years of slow cooling.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its high density (feels much heavier than it looks), strong magnetism, and presence of 'regmaglypts' (thumbprint-like indentations). Common strewn fields include Campo del Cielo in Argentina or Canyon Diablo in Arizona.

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