Iron Meteorite

Hardness: 4-5 (Mohs), Color: Silvery-gray to dark brown/black (often with rust on weathered surfaces), Luster: Metallic, often dull on weathered surfaces, Crystal structure: Not applicable in typical sense, internal structure (Widmanstätten patterns) visible when etched, Cleavage: None, Specific gravity: High (7.8-8.2 g/cm³)

Formed in the cores of asteroids in the early solar system, then broken apart by collisions and eventually falling to Earth. Geological age ranges from 4.5 billion years (age of solar system).

Primarily for scientific research and collecting. Can be cut and polished for jewelry, specialized artworks, and decorative items. Small pieces have been used historically for tools by indigenous cultures.

Iron meteorites are one of the three main types of meteorites (the others being stony and stony-iron). They are typically composed of an iron-nickel alloy and often exhibit unique internal textures called Widmanstätten patterns when cut, polished, and etched with acid. These patterns are created by the intergrowth of two iron-nickel minerals, kamacite and taenite, that crystallize at very slow cooling rates (only possible in the vacuum of space).

Identify in the field by their high density (they feel unusually heavy for their size), strong magnetic attraction, and often a regmaglypt (thumbprint-like) surface texture caused by atmospheric ablation. Freshly broken surfaces will show metallic flecks. Rust might be present on weathered specimens. Common locations found are deserts (where they are preserved and easily visible) and impact strewn fields. A simple test with a strong magnet is key for identification.