meteorite
Iron Meteorite
Ferriferous Meteorite (Iron-Nickel alloy)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 4-5 on the Mohs scale, dark brown to metallic silver color with a submetallic to metallic luster, amorphous to octahedral crystal structure with visible fusion crust and regmaglypts (thumbprints), and an unusually high specific gravity (7.8-8.0).
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Physical properties
Hardness of 4-5 on the Mohs scale, dark brown to metallic silver color with a submetallic to metallic luster, amorphous to octahedral crystal structure with visible fusion crust and regmaglypts (thumbprints), and an unusually high specific gravity (7.8-8.0).
Formation & geological history
Formed in the cores of differentiated planetesimals during the early formation of the solar system over 4.5 billion years ago, traveling through space before impacting Earth.
Uses & applications
Highly prized by scientific researchers and private collectors for study and display due to its extraterrestrial origin.
Geological facts
Iron meteorites represent ancient planetary cores that were shattered by catastrophic impacts in the asteroid belt early in solar system history.
Field identification & locations
Identify by extreme weight for its size, magnetic attraction, and the presence of a dark fusion crust or regmaglypts. Frequently recovered in arid desert regions like Northwest Africa.
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