meteorite
Iron Meteorite
Siderite (Iron-Nickel Meteorite)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 4.5-5.5 (Mohs scale), Color: Dark brown to metallic black/grey, Luster: Metallic to sub-metallic, Crystal Structure: Octahedral or Hexahedral, Cleavage: None, Specific Gravity: 7.0-8.0 (very dense)
- Hardness
- 4
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Physical properties
Hardness: 4.5-5.5 (Mohs scale), Color: Dark brown to metallic black/grey, Luster: Metallic to sub-metallic, Crystal Structure: Octahedral or Hexahedral, Cleavage: None, Specific Gravity: 7.0-8.0 (very dense)
Formation & geological history
Formed in the molten cores of differentiated asteroids approximately 4.5 billion years ago. These cores were shattered by collisions, allowing pieces of the iron-nickel core to travel through space and eventually fall to Earth.
Uses & applications
High value for scientific research into the early solar system, popular for high-end collectors, and sometimes used in custom luxury jewelry (specifically slices revealing Widmanstätten patterns).
Geological facts
Iron meteorites are composed mainly of iron and nickel. When etched with nitric acid, they often reveal unique Widmanstätten patterns—intersecting lines caused by the slow cooling of metal over millions of years.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its unusually high weight (density), strong magnetic attraction, and the presence of regmaglypts (thumbprint-like depressions) on the surface caused by atmospheric friction during entry.
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