meteorite

Iron-rich meteorite candidate (weathered ironstone)

Likely oxidized Fe–Ni metal, possibly magnetite/hematite-bearing terrestrial ironstone; exact identification requires testing

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Dark metallic-gray, strongly orange-brown from iron oxidation, irregular and apparently dense; probable metallic luster beneath weathering. Suspected iron meteorites are Mohs ~4–5, commonly magnetic, and may show a nickel-bearing metal matrix or Widmanstätten pattern when etched.

Identified September 9, 2026More meteorite →

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At a glance

Common name: Iron-rich meteorite candidate (weathered ironstone)
Scientific name: Likely oxidized Fe–Ni metal, possibly magnetite/hematite-bearing terrestrial ironstone; exact identification requires testing
Category: meteorite
Identified: September 9, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

If authenticated as an ordinary iron meteorite: roughly $1–$10 per gram; unusual or documented specimens may reach $20–$100+ per gram. If terrestrial ironstone: about $1–$20.

Not an official valuation

AI estimate for general interest only — not an appraisal. Actual value depends on condition, provenance, and market demand. Verify with a professional before buying, selling, or insuring.

This identification was generated by AI and may contain errors. Verify important details before relying on them — and never use an AI result to judge whether a specimen is safe to handle. Read the full disclaimer

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Could be a heavily weathered iron meteorite formed in a differentiated asteroid’s metallic core, typically billions of years old; alternatively it may be terrestrial hematite–magnetite ironstone or industrial slag. The photograph alone cannot distinguish these.

Uses & applications

Meteorites are mainly collected and studied; iron ores are used for steelmaking, while ironstone has limited ornamental or educational use.

Geological facts

Rust-like orange alteration is common in iron meteorites but also extremely common in terrestrial iron minerals. A magnet, streak test, density measurement, nickel analysis, and polished/etched examination are important.

Field identification & locations

Check for strong magnetism, unusually high density (~7–8 g/cm³), a non-red/brown streak, fusion crust, and regmaglypts; rule out slag and hematite. Common meteorite finds occur in deserts and Antarctica; terrestrial ironstone is widespread.