meteorite

Iron-rich meteorite candidate

Possible ordinary chondrite or iron meteorite fragment; exact classification requires laboratory testing

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Dark brown-black, irregular, and weathered with rusty iron-oxide staining and a small metallic-brassy exposed area. Likely dense and weakly magnetic; hardness and crystal structure cannot be determined reliably from the image.

Identified August 30, 2026More meteorite →

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At a glance

Common name: Iron-rich meteorite candidate
Scientific name: Possible ordinary chondrite or iron meteorite fragment; exact classification requires laboratory testing
Category: meteorite
Identified: August 30, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

If confirmed as an ordinary chondrite fragment: roughly $1-$10 per gram; rare or scientifically important material can be worth substantially more. If slag or terrestrial rock, typically under $1.

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

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 brown exterior reflects terrestrial weathering. A terrestrial iron-rich slag or sulfide-bearing rock is also possible.

Uses & applications

Meteorites are primarily valued for scientific study and collecting; iron meteorites may be cut, polished, and etched to display Widmanstätten patterns. No industrial use is typical for a fragment this small.

Geological facts

The appearance alone cannot confirm a meteorite: industrial slag commonly has bubbly or glassy textures, while genuine meteorites usually lack obvious vesicles and feel unusually heavy for their size.

Field identification & locations

Test density and magnetism, inspect for a thin fusion crust, and look for metal flecks or chondrules on a freshly cut face; avoid streak testing or destructive cutting before expert review. Send it to a university geology department or meteorite laboratory for nickel and petrographic analysis.