igneous

Iron Meteorite (likely Chondrite or Iron-Nickel fragment)

Siderite (Iron Meteorite), primarily Fe-Ni (Iron-Nickel) alloy

Hardness: 4-5 Mohs; Color: Brownish-black fusion crust with metallic interior; Luster: Metallic to dull; Crystal structure: Octahedral (Widmanstätten pattern inside); Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 7.0-8.0

Hardness: 4-5 Mohs
Color: Brownish-black fusion crust with metallic interior
Luster: Metallic to dull

Identified March 11, 2026More igneous →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed in the early solar system approximately 4.5 billion years ago from the molten core of a shattered planetesimal; delivered to Earth through atmospheric entry resulting in high-heat ablation.

Uses & applications

Scientific research into planetary formation; used in high-end jewelry (meteorite watch dials/rings) and collector markets.

Geological facts

Many iron meteorites feature a 'Widmanstätten pattern' when etched with acid, a crystal structure that takes millions of years of slow cooling in space to form. This specimen shows a classic regmaglypt-like surface feature (thumbprint indentation).

Field identification & locations

Identify by checking for magnetism and extreme density; look for a thin, dark fusion crust. Often found in dry desert regions or ice fields where dark rocks stand out. Avoid 'meteor-wrongs' like slag by checking for bubbles (meteorites generally have no vesicles).

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