Rock Identifier
Iron Meteorite / Limonite-coated Meteorite / Iron Nodule (Iron-Nickel Alloy (Kamacite and Taenite) with weathering crust) — meteorite
meteorite

Iron Meteorite / Limonite-coated Meteorite / Iron Nodule

Iron-Nickel Alloy (Kamacite and Taenite) with weathering crust

Hardness: 4-5 for weathered outer crust, up to 8 for native iron interior (Mohs scale); Color: Rusty brown to dark reddish-brown externally, metallic silver internally; Luster: Metallic to dull earthy; Crystal Structure: Octahedrite or hexahedrite Widmanstätten pattern (visible when cut and etched);…

Luster
Metallic to dull earthy
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Physical properties

Hardness: 4-5 for weathered outer crust, up to 8 for native iron interior (Mohs scale); Color: Rusty brown to dark reddish-brown externally, metallic silver internally; Luster: Metallic to dull earthy; Crystal Structure: Octahedrite or hexahedrite Widmanstätten pattern (visible when cut and etched); Specific Gravity: High density, typically 7.5 - 8.0.

Formation & geological history

Formed in the early solar system approximately 4.5 billion years ago within the cores of differentiated asteroids. Fell to Earth after traversing interplanetary space.

Uses & applications

Valued by scientific researchers for understanding solar system formation, and highly sought after by meteorite collectors and museums.

Geological facts

Many suspected meteorites found in fields turn out to be terrestrial iron-rich rocks, iron nodules, or industrial slag. True meteorites often feature a fusion crust, regmaglypts (thumbprint-like indentations), and are strongly magnetic.

Field identification & locations

To identify in the field: check for high density (feels unusually heavy for its size), strong magnetic attraction, irregular rounded shape, and absence of quartz or vesicular cavities. Found worldwide, often discovered in desert or agricultural plains.

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