igneous

Stardust (Micrometeorite)

Chondrite / Micrometeorite (Extraterrestrial Silicate)

Hardness: 5-6 (Mohs); Color: Black, charcoal grey, or dark brown; Luster: Metallic to sub-metallic; Structure: Often spherical or irregular scoria; Specific Gravity: 3.0-3.8.

Hardness: 5-6 (Mohs)
Color: Black, charcoal grey, or dark brown
Luster: Metallic to sub-metallic

Identified January 1, 2026More igneous →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 5-6 (Mohs); Color: Black, charcoal grey, or dark brown; Luster: Metallic to sub-metallic; Structure: Often spherical or irregular scoria; Specific Gravity: 3.0-3.8.

Formation & geological history

Formed from the debris of the early solar system roughly 4.6 billion years ago. These particles enter Earth's atmosphere at high speeds, melting into 'cosmic spherules' due to friction before settling on the surface.

Uses & applications

Primarily used for scientific research to understand the chemical composition of the early solar nebula and the origins of water/organic molecules on Earth.

Geological facts

Approximately 5,200 tons of micrometeorites fall to Earth every year. They are the most common form of extraterrestrial matter found on our planet.

Field identification & locations

Identified by their magnetic properties and unique spherical shape under a microscope. Collectors often find them by placing magnets in rain gutters or searching in clean, isolated environments like Antarctic ice or deep-sea sediments.

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