meteorite
Iron meteorite (likely)
Fe–Ni metallic meteorite, commonly kamacite–taenite
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectDark 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 More meteorite →
Explore Iron meteorite (likely) in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
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.
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.
More like this
Other meteorite specimens
Chondrite Meteorite
Undifferentiated stony chondrite
meteorite
Iron meteorite candidate
Fe–Ni metallic meteorite, possibly an iron meteorite fragment
meteorite
Iron-rich meteorite fragment (probable)
Unclassified meteoritic iron–nickel or stony-iron fragment
meteorite
Meteorite
Extraterrestrial chondrite / iron-stone meteorite
meteorite
Meteorite
Chondrite / Iron-Nickel Meteorite
meteorite
Meteorite
Extraterrestrial stony-iron or iron meteorite
meteorite