igneous

Iron Meteorite (Fragment)

Siderite (Iron-Nickel alloy: Kamacite and Taenite)

Hardness: 4-5 on Mohs scale. Color: Dark gray to black (fusion crust) or metallic silver (unweathered). Luster: Metallic. Crystal structure: Isometric (Octahedrite most common). Cleavage: None. Specific Gravity: 7.0 - 8.0.

Hardness: 4-5 on Mohs scale
Luster: Metallic

Identified March 29, 2026More igneous →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed roughly 4.5 billion years ago in the molten cores of differentiated asteroids. These were released during catastrophic collisions and traveled through space before entering Earth's atmosphere.

Uses & applications

Primarily used for scientific research, specialized jewelry (meteorite watches/rings), and as high-value collector specimens.

Geological facts

Iron meteorites are much rarer than stony meteorites but easier to find because they are magnetic and dense. When etched with acid, most iron meteorites reveal 'Widmanstätten patterns'—crystalline structures that cannot be replicated on Earth.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by high density (heavy for its size), strong magnetic properties, and presence of a fusion crust or regmaglypts (thumbprint-like depressions). Found globally in arid regions like deserts or Antarctica where they are better preserved.

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

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