meteorite
Iron Meteorite
Meteoritic Iron (Fe-Ni alloy)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness 4-5 on Mohs scale, dark brown to metallic silver color, metallic luster, octahedrite or hexahedrite crystal structure with Widmanstätten patterns when etched, high specific gravity around 7.5-8.0.
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Physical properties
Hardness 4-5 on Mohs scale, dark brown to metallic silver color, metallic luster, octahedrite or hexahedrite crystal structure with Widmanstätten patterns when etched, high specific gravity around 7.5-8.0.
Formation & geological history
Formed in the cores of differentiated asteroids during the early formation of the solar system over 4.5 billion years ago, eventually falling to Earth.
Uses & applications
Valued primarily for scientific research, planetology study, and as rare collectibles in the meteorite market.
Geological facts
Iron meteorites represent the core material of ancient planetesimals that were shattered by impacts in the asteroid belt.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by extreme heaviness, magnetic properties, fusion crust, and regmaglypts (thumbprint-like indentations). Common in desert regions like North Africa.
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