Rock Identifier
Iron meteorite (probable) (Iron–nickel meteorite, mainly kamacite and taenite (Fe–Ni alloy)) — meteorite
meteorite

Iron meteorite (probable)

Iron–nickel meteorite, mainly kamacite and taenite (Fe–Ni alloy)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Dark gray, metallic-looking, irregularly fractured specimen with apparent fusion-darkened surfaces; likely hardness ~4–5 Mohs and unusually high density (~7–8 g/cm³). A magnet should attract it strongly; Widmanstätten structure cannot be confirmed from this image.

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Physical properties

Dark gray, metallic-looking, irregularly fractured specimen with apparent fusion-darkened surfaces; likely hardness ~4–5 Mohs and unusually high density (~7–8 g/cm³). A magnet should attract it strongly; Widmanstätten structure cannot be confirmed from this image.

Formation & geological history

Formed in the metallic core of a differentiated asteroid and crystallized slowly before arriving as a meteorite; age is typically ~4.56 billion years. The surface may show atmospheric heating or terrestrial weathering.

Uses & applications

Collected as a meteorite and sometimes cut, polished, or etched for display and jewelry; iron meteorites have scientific value rather than construction use.

Geological facts

The shape and metallic appearance are consistent with an iron meteorite, but slag, industrial iron, or heavily weathered metal are important alternatives. A nickel test and etched polished face are useful confirmation methods.

Field identification & locations

Check for strong magnetism, high density, rounded regmaglypts, and a nickel-bearing alloy; avoid assuming identification from appearance alone. Common finds occur in deserts, Antarctica, and cultivated fields.