meteorite

Meteorite

Extraterrestrial stony-iron or iron meteorite

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness 4-8 depending on composition, dark brown to metallic silver color, fusion crust with regmaglypts resembling thumbprints, high specific gravity.

Identified October 17, 2026More meteorite →

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Physical properties

Hardness 4-8 depending on composition, dark brown to metallic silver color, fusion crust with regmaglypts resembling thumbprints, high specific gravity.

Formation & geological history

Formed in the early solar system over 4.5 billion years ago, originating from asteroid belt collisions and surviving atmospheric entry.

Uses & applications

Prized by scientific researchers for planetary evolution studies and highly sought after by collectors.

Geological facts

Many meteorites display Widmanstätten patterns when etched with acid, a crystalline structure impossible to replicate on Earth.

Field identification & locations

Identify by magnetic properties, heavy weight relative to size, and smooth fusion crust; commonly found in deserts and ice fields where they stand out.