Rock Identifier
Likely iron meteorite (Iron meteorite, predominantly kamacite and taenite (Fe–Ni alloys)) — meteorite
meteorite

Likely iron meteorite

Iron meteorite, predominantly kamacite and taenite (Fe–Ni alloys)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Gray metallic luster with a rounded, possibly fusion-crusted surface; typical iron meteorites have Mohs hardness about 4–5, density 7.3–7.8, and no cleavage. The image is blurred, so texture and composition cannot be confirmed visually.

Identified More meteorite →
Explore Likely iron meteorite in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App StoreGoogle Play

Physical properties

Gray metallic luster with a rounded, possibly fusion-crusted surface; typical iron meteorites have Mohs hardness about 4–5, density 7.3–7.8, and no cleavage. The image is blurred, so texture and composition cannot be confirmed visually.

Formation & geological history

Formed in the metallic cores of differentiated asteroids, then excavated by impacts and delivered to Earth; most are billions of years old. The smooth shape may reflect atmospheric ablation or terrestrial weathering, but could also be industrial metal.

Uses & applications

Meteorites are valued as collectibles, research specimens, and jewelry material; iron meteorites are occasionally cut, polished, and etched to reveal Widmanstätten patterns.

Geological facts

A genuine iron meteorite commonly attracts a strong magnet and shows a nickel-rich composition; an etched slice may display interlocking crystalline patterns. Slag, cast iron, and rusty industrial metal are frequent look-alikes.

Field identification & locations

Test magnetism, measure unusually high density, inspect for a thin fusion crust, and seek laboratory nickel analysis; a professional meteorite classification is essential. Common finds include Antarctica, Northwest Africa, Australia, and the American Southwest.

More like this

Other meteorite specimens

Iron-rich meteorite fragment (probable) (Unclassified meteoritic iron–nickel or stony-iron fragment) — meteorite

Iron-rich meteorite fragment (probable)

Unclassified meteoritic iron–nickel or stony-iron fragment

meteorite
Iron meteorite candidate (Fe–Ni metallic meteorite, possibly an iron meteorite fragment) — meteorite

Iron meteorite candidate

Fe–Ni metallic meteorite, possibly an iron meteorite fragment

meteorite
Iron Meteorite (Siderite (Fe, Ni)) — igneous

Iron Meteorite

Siderite (Fe, Ni)

igneous
Meteorite (Chondrite / Iron-Nickel Meteorite) — meteorite

Meteorite

Chondrite / Iron-Nickel Meteorite

meteorite
Iron-rich meteorite candidate (Unclassified iron meteorite, possibly an ordinary chondrite or weathered iron oxide-rich meteorite) — meteorite

Iron-rich meteorite candidate

Unclassified iron meteorite, possibly an ordinary chondrite or weathered iron oxide-rich meteorite

meteorite
Meteorite (Chondrite / Iron-Nickel Meteorite fragment) — meteorite

Meteorite

Chondrite / Iron-Nickel Meteorite fragment

meteorite