Rock Identifier
Iron-rich meteorite candidate (weathered iron meteorite) (Likely Fe–Ni metal, commonly kamacite and taenite; definitive identification requires laboratory testing) — meteorite
meteorite

Iron-rich meteorite candidate (weathered iron meteorite)

Likely Fe–Ni metal, commonly kamacite and taenite; definitive identification requires laboratory testing

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Dark metallic gray to brown, with rusty weathering and locally bright metallic surfaces; probable Mohs hardness 4–5, high density, and metallic luster. The apparent metal-rich texture is suggestive but not diagnostic from an image.

Identified More meteorite
Explore Iron-rich meteorite candidate (weathered iron meteorite) in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

Physical properties

Dark metallic gray to brown, with rusty weathering and locally bright metallic surfaces; probable Mohs hardness 4–5, high density, and metallic luster. The apparent metal-rich texture is suggestive but not diagnostic from an image.

Formation & geological history

If genuine, it formed in a differentiated asteroid and crystallized as iron–nickel metal billions of years ago, then reached Earth as a meteorite. Terrestrial iron ore, slag, or industrial metal can look similar.

Uses & applications

Meteorites are valued mainly by collectors and researchers; iron meteorites are also cut, etched, and displayed as specimens. No ordinary industrial use applies to a small find.

Geological facts

A magnet response, unusual density, fusion crust, thumbprint-like regmaglypts, and an etched Widmanstätten pattern support meteorite identification, but none is conclusive alone.

Field identification & locations

Test with a strong magnet and compare density; avoid destructive cutting until examined. A streak test, nickel assay, polished/etched section, and laboratory elemental analysis are needed; common analogs include hematite, magnetite, and slag.