Rock Identifier
Iron-rich meteorite candidate (Unclassified stony-iron or iron meteorite; possible weathered ordinary chondrite) — meteorite
meteorite

Iron-rich meteorite candidate

Unclassified stony-iron or iron meteorite; possible weathered ordinary chondrite

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Dark brown-gray, strongly weathered exterior with metallic-looking silver patches and rusty iron oxides; likely denser than ordinary rock and may attract a magnet. Exact hardness, structure, and composition require testing; a fusion crust or visible chondrules are not clearly confirmed.

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Physical properties

Dark brown-gray, strongly weathered exterior with metallic-looking silver patches and rusty iron oxides; likely denser than ordinary rock and may attract a magnet. Exact hardness, structure, and composition require testing; a fusion crust or visible chondrules are not clearly confirmed.

Formation & geological history

If genuine, it formed in an asteroid parent body and may be billions of years old, later reaching Earth as a meteorite. The apparent metal may also be terrestrial iron-bearing rock or industrial slag, so laboratory confirmation is essential.

Uses & applications

Meteorites are valued for scientific study and collecting; iron-rich specimens are sometimes cut and polished. No construction use is appropriate for an unverified sample.

Geological facts

A magnet response, streak, density, and nickel assay are more diagnostic than appearance; meteorites generally lack vesicles and have a thin fusion crust, while slag often has bubbles and irregular glassy textures.

Field identification & locations

Common candidates include weathered basalt, ironstone, slag, and meteorite fragments. Test with a strong magnet, inspect a fresh cut surface, measure density, and seek an accredited meteorite laboratory before calling it extraterrestrial.

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