meteorite
Iron Meteorite
Meteoritic Iron (Fe-Ni alloy)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectMohs hardness 4-5, reddish-brown to dark gray color due to weathering, metallic luster where fresh, octahedral or amorphous crystal structure, high specific gravity (7.8-8.0).
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Physical properties
Mohs hardness 4-5, reddish-brown to dark gray color due to weathering, metallic luster where fresh, octahedral or amorphous crystal structure, high specific gravity (7.8-8.0).
Formation & geological history
Formed in the early solar system around 4.5 billion years ago from the molten cores of differentiated asteroids, later falling to Earth.
Uses & applications
Valuable for scientific research, space education, and high-end mineral and meteorite collecting.
Geological facts
Many iron meteorites exhibit Widmanstätten patterns when cut, etched, and polished, which are unique nickel-iron crystal intergrowths impossible to replicate on Earth.
Field identification & locations
Identify by exceptionally high weight-to-size ratio, magnetic properties, and often a fusion crust or regmaglypts (thumbprint-like indentations). Found globally in strewn fields.
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