meteorite

Iron meteorite fragment (likely weathered meteorite)

Fe–Ni metal, commonly kamacite with taenite; possible stony-iron or iron-oxide fusion crust

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Dark metallic-gray, irregular thumb-sized fragment with rusty brown oxidation and a lighter gray, possibly melted/fused surface. Typical iron meteorites have Mohs hardness about 4–5, metallic luster, high density (~7–8 g/cm³), and no cleavage; visual identification alone is uncertain.

Identified August 11, 2026More meteorite →

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At a glance

Common name: Iron meteorite fragment (likely weathered meteorite)
Scientific name: Fe–Ni metal, commonly kamacite with taenite; possible stony-iron or iron-oxide fusion crust
Category: meteorite
Identified: August 11, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

$5–$50 if unverified; approximately $50–$500+ if authenticated, depending on mass, type, provenance, and appearance.

Not an official valuation

AI estimate for general interest only — not an appraisal. Actual value depends on condition, provenance, and market demand. Verify with a professional before buying, selling, or insuring.

This identification was generated by AI and may contain errors. Verify important details before relying on them — and never use an AI result to judge whether a specimen is safe to handle. Read the full disclaimer

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed in the metallic core of a differentiated asteroid, then melted during atmospheric entry and cooled in space; most are older than Earth (~4.56 billion years). The pale crust may be terrestrial weathering or impact-fused material.

Uses & applications

Primarily a collector specimen; cut and etched iron meteorites are valued for Widmanstätten patterns, while nickel-iron is occasionally used decoratively.

Geological facts

A strong magnet attraction and unusually high weight are useful clues, but slag, industrial iron, and hematite can look similar. A definitive identification requires nickel testing, density, and ideally laboratory analysis.

Field identification & locations

Check for regmaglypts, a thin fusion crust, magnetic response, and absence of vesicles; avoid destructive acid tests. Common finds include deserts, Antarctica, and known strewn fields.