meteorite
Iron meteorite (probable)
Fe–Ni metal, commonly kamacite and taenite
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectDark brown-black, strongly metallic to dull luster with apparent fusion crust and rusty weathering; very dense and usually magnetic. Mohs hardness is about 4–5, with no visible cleavage; internal Widmanstätten patterns may appear after polishing and etching.
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Physical properties
Dark brown-black, strongly metallic to dull luster with apparent fusion crust and rusty weathering; very dense and usually magnetic. Mohs hardness is about 4–5, with no visible cleavage; internal Widmanstätten patterns may appear after polishing and etching.
Formation & geological history
Formed in the metallic core of a differentiated asteroid and crystallized over millions of years before impact with Earth. The exact meteorite age is typically about 4.5 billion years, though terrestrial weathering may be recent.
Uses & applications
Primarily valued for scientific study, collecting, and jewelry; occasionally used for display or slicing. Iron meteorites are not construction materials.
Geological facts
The irregular sculpted surface and dark fusion crust are consistent with atmospheric ablation, but slag, iron ore, and industrial metal can look similar. A laboratory classification requires testing and often a polished section.
Field identification & locations
Common finds occur in deserts, Antarctica, and plains; verify with a strong magnet, unusually high density, and absence of bubbles or glassy slag texture. Nickel testing and professional meteorite analysis are recommended.
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