Rock Identifier
Iron meteorite (probable) (Fe–Ni metallic meteorite, commonly kamacite/taenite) — meteorite
meteorite

Iron meteorite (probable)

Fe–Ni metallic meteorite, commonly kamacite/taenite

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Dark gray, strongly metallic-looking, irregularly weathered surface; likely high density and magnetic, with Mohs hardness about 4–5. The image is insufficient to confirm metal content or crystal structure; no clear fusion crust is visible.

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Physical properties

Dark gray, strongly metallic-looking, irregularly weathered surface; likely high density and magnetic, with Mohs hardness about 4–5. The image is insufficient to confirm metal content or crystal structure; no clear fusion crust is visible.

Formation & geological history

Formed in the metallic core of a differentiated asteroid, then ejected by impact and fallen to Earth; parent-body ages are generally about 4.5 billion years. Terrestrial weathering may produce brown iron-oxide alteration and rough surfaces.

Uses & applications

Primarily a collector specimen; cut and etched iron meteorites can display Widmanstätten patterns and are used in jewelry, displays, and scientific study.

Geological facts

A magnet strongly attracted to the specimen, unusually high heft for its size, and a nickel test would support identification. Slag, hematite, magnetite, and industrial iron can look similar, so laboratory analysis is required.

Field identification & locations

Commonly found in deserts, Antarctica, and dry soils; inspect for a thin fusion crust, regmaglypts, metal flecks, and lack of vesicles. A polished slice, density measurement, magnetic response, and Ni/Co assay are recommended.

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