igneous
Iron Meteorite
Siderite (Fe-Ni alloy, primarily Kamacite and Taenite)
Hardness: 4-5 on Mohs scale; Color: Dark brown to black (fusion crust/weathered) or metallic silver (fresh interior); Luster: Metallic; Crystal Structure: Isometric (often with Widmanstätten patterns); Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 7.0–8.0 (extremely heavy).
- Hardness
- 4-5 on Mohs scale
- Luster
- Metallic
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Physical properties
Hardness: 4-5 on Mohs scale; Color: Dark brown to black (fusion crust/weathered) or metallic silver (fresh interior); Luster: Metallic; Crystal Structure: Isometric (often with Widmanstätten patterns); Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 7.0–8.0 (extremely heavy).
Formation & geological history
Formed in the molten cores of asteroids or planetesimals during the early formation of the solar system (approx. 4.5 billion years ago) that were later shattered by collisions.
Uses & applications
Used primarily for scientific research, high-end collector specimens, unique jewelry (slices), and as a historical source of iron before ore mining.
Geological facts
Iron meteorites represent the cores of early planetary bodies. The Gibeon meteorite and Canyon Diablo (Meteor Crater) specimens are among the most famous examples of this material.
Field identification & locations
Identify by extreme weight for its size, strong magnetism, and a characteristic 'fusion crust' or regmaglypts (thumbprint-like indentations) on the surface. Found globally but most easily recovered in deserts or polar regions.
