meteorite

Iron-rich meteorite candidate

Undetermined meteoritic iron–nickel material; possibly an ordinary chondrite or weathered iron meteorite

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Dark gray-brown, irregular, and weakly lustrous with a weathered surface; apparent hardness roughly 5–6, but grain size, magnetism, streak, density, and fusion crust are not resolvable from the image. The pale fragment may be terrestrial contamination or a weathering product.

Identified August 10, 2026More meteorite →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

If extraterrestrial, it formed in a differentiated asteroid or primitive solar-system body about 4.5 billion years ago and later survived atmospheric entry; the image alone cannot establish this. Terrestrial ironstone, slag, or dark basalt are important alternatives.

Uses & applications

Confirmed meteorites are mainly collected, studied, and displayed; iron meteorites may be cut and etched to reveal Widmanstätten patterns. Value ranges from about $1–$10 per gram for common material to hundreds per gram for rare, authenticated specimens.

Geological facts

A true meteorite commonly shows a thin fusion crust, unusually high density, and attraction to a strong magnet; iron meteorites often reveal nickel-bearing metal when cut and etched.

Field identification & locations

Test magnetism, measure density, inspect for metallic grains and fusion crust, and obtain nickel/elemental testing—do not rely on appearance alone. Common meteorite finds occur in deserts and Antarctica; without laboratory authentication, this specimen is more likely an ordinary terrestrial rock or slag.