meteorite

Iron meteorite (likely)

Fe–Ni metallic meteorite, commonly kamacite–taenite

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Dark gray to black, strongly metallic luster, dense and magnetic; hardness about 4–5.5 Mohs. The irregular fractured surface lacks obvious terrestrial crystal cleavage; polished sections may show Widmanstätten patterns after etching.

Identified August 11, 2026More meteorite →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed by melting and differentiation inside an asteroid, then crystallizing in space over geologic time, typically billions of years old. It reached Earth as a meteorite and appears heavily weathered or naturally fractured.

Uses & applications

Primarily valued for scientific study, education, and collecting; attractive etched slices are used in jewelry and display. It has limited industrial value compared with terrestrial iron ore.

Geological facts

Iron meteorites are mostly iron-nickel alloy and are much denser than ordinary rocks. Surface oxidation can produce brown rust and terrestrial contamination, so visual identification alone is not definitive.

Field identification & locations

Common candidates come from deserts, Antarctica, and metal-detector finds; a magnet, unusually high density, and nickel testing help distinguish them from slag. A certified laboratory should confirm it because industrial slag can look similar.