meteorite

Iron-rich meteorite candidate

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

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Dark reddish-brown, fine-grained, irregular fragment with metallic-gray patches and a dull to slightly metallic luster. Hardness is approximately 5–6, but identification requires testing for magnetism, density, nickel, and a fusion crust; visual appearance alone is inconclusive.

Identified August 26, 2026More meteorite →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

If meteoritic, it formed from differentiated or primitive Solar System material about 4.56 billion years ago and later weathered terrestrially. It could instead be an ordinary terrestrial iron-rich rock such as basalt, hematite-bearing sandstone, or slag.

Uses & applications

Meteorites are collected and studied; iron-rich terrestrial rocks have limited decorative or educational use. No jewelry or industrial value is established without authentication.

Geological facts

A true meteorite commonly shows a thin dark fusion crust, regmaglypts, unusually high density, and attraction to a strong magnet; rusty staining indicates terrestrial weathering.

Field identification & locations

Check whether it strongly attracts a magnet, measure density, inspect for fusion crust, and avoid destructive tests; professional laboratory nickel analysis is definitive. Common meteorite sources include Antarctica, deserts, and witnessed falls, while similar rocks occur worldwide.