mineral

Micro-Meteorite (Micrometeoroid)

Extraterrestrial Spherule (Silicate or Iron-Nickel)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness: 5-6 (variable); Color: Black, brown, or dark grey; Luster: Metallic to sub-metallic; Crystal Structure: Often amorphous or polycrystalline due to rapid cooling; Size: 0.1 to 2 mm; Specific Gravity: Varying based on iron content.

Hardness: 5-6 (variable)
Color: Black, brown, or dark grey
Luster: Metallic to sub-metallic

Identified May 28, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed from interplanetary dust particles that melt and re-solidify upon entering the Earth's atmosphere. Most originate from comets or asteroids and are billions of years old.

Uses & applications

Primarily used for scientific research to understand the composition of the early solar system. High collector value for micrometeorite hunters.

Geological facts

Approximately 37,000 to 78,000 tons of space dust falls to Earth every year. Jon Larsen, a Norwegian jazz musician, pioneered the method to find these 'urban micrometeorites' on rooftops.

Field identification & locations

Identified by their spherical or aerodynamic shape and magnetic properties (if iron-nickel). Common locations include house gutters, flat rooftops, and polar ice sheets. Use a strong magnet and microscope for field identification.