Mineral/Rock (Extraterrestrial Origin)

Iron Meteorite

Iron-nickel alloy (primarily kamacite and taenite)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness: 4-5 (Mohs), Color: Silvery-gray to dark brown/black (often with rust on weathered surfaces), Luster: Metallic, often dull on weathered surfaces, Crystal structure: Not applicable in typical sense, internal structure (Widmanstätten patterns) visible when etched, Cleavage: None, Specific gravity: High (7.8-8.2…

Identified November 18, 2025More mineral/rock (extraterrestrial origin) →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed in the cores of asteroids in the early solar system, then broken apart by collisions and eventually falling to Earth. Geological age ranges from 4.5 billion years (age of solar system).

Uses & applications

Primarily for scientific research and collecting. Can be cut and polished for jewelry, specialized artworks, and decorative items. Small pieces have been used historically for tools by indigenous cultures.

Geological facts

Iron meteorites are one of the three main types of meteorites (the others being stony and stony-iron). They are typically composed of an iron-nickel alloy and often exhibit unique internal textures called Widmanstätten patterns when cut, polished, and etched with acid. These patterns are created by the intergrowth of two iron-nickel minerals, kamacite and taenite, that crystallize at very slow cooling rates (only possible in the vacuum of space).

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by their high density (they feel unusually heavy for their size), strong magnetic attraction, and often a regmaglypt (thumbprint-like) surface texture caused by atmospheric ablation. Freshly broken surfaces will show metallic flecks. Rust might be present on weathered specimens. Common locations found are deserts (where they are preserved and easily visible) and impact strewn fields. A simple test with a strong magnet is key for identification.

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Possible basaltic volcanic rock or iron-rich meteorite

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Moldavite

Tektite (Natural Silicate Glass)

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Possible iron-rich meteorite or metallic sulfide-bearing rock

Unconfirmed; candidates include stony-iron meteorite, iron meteorite, or pyrite-bearing terrestrial rock

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Tektite

Natural impact glass

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Possible basaltic rock or meteorite candidate

Likely vesicular basalt; meteorite identification cannot be confirmed visually

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Tumbled moldavite specimens

Moldavite (natural tektite; silica-rich impact glass), approximately SiO₂ 75–80%

gemstone