meteorite

Iron-rich meteorite candidate

Undetermined Fe–Ni meteorite; possible ordinary chondrite or iron meteorite

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Dark brown-black, irregular and weathered, with rusty iron-oxide staining; apparent metallic grains are visible. Hardness is roughly 5–6, but no reliable crystal structure, cleavage, density, or fusion crust can be confirmed from the image.

Identified August 14, 2026More meteorite →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

If extraterrestrial, it formed in an asteroid and survived atmospheric entry; terrestrial weathering produced the reddish-brown surface. Its age would generally exceed 4.5 billion years, though identification requires testing.

Uses & applications

Meteorites are valued for scientific study and collecting; iron-rich examples may be cut and etched to reveal Widmanstätten patterns. This specimen has no established industrial or jewelry use.

Geological facts

Visual appearance alone cannot distinguish a meteorite from common terrestrial ironstone, slag, or basalt. A magnet response, unusually high density, nickel test, thin-section study, and laboratory analysis are needed.

Field identification & locations

Check for strong magnetism, unusually high specific gravity, a thin dark fusion crust, rounded regmaglypts, and minimal vesicles; avoid filing or cutting before testing. Common terrestrial look-alikes include hematite-rich rock and industrial slag.