meteorite

Polished iron meteorite fragment

Iron meteorite, chiefly kamacite and taenite (Fe–Ni alloys), possibly weathered or etched

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Identified September 11, 2026More meteorite →

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At a glance

Common name: Polished iron meteorite fragment
Scientific name: Iron meteorite, chiefly kamacite and taenite (Fe–Ni alloys), possibly weathered or etched
Category: meteorite
Identified: September 11, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

Approximately $10–$100 for an unverified iron-like specimen; $100–$1,000+ if authenticated, depending on mass, provenance, and quality.

Not an official valuation

AI estimate for general interest only — not an appraisal. Actual value depends on condition, provenance, and market demand. Verify with a professional before buying, selling, or insuring.

This identification was generated by AI and may contain errors. Verify important details before relying on them — and never use an AI result to judge whether a specimen is safe to handle. Read the full disclaimer

Physical properties

Metallic to dull brown-black luster with rounded fusion-like contours, corrosion pits, and pale inclusions; hardness about 4–5 Mohs, very high density (~7–8 g/cm³), and weak magnetism to strong magnetism. The irregular cavities and rusty surface are consistent with oxidation of iron-rich material, though an image alone cannot confirm extraterrestrial origin.

Formation & geological history

If genuine, it formed in the metallic core of a differentiated asteroid and crystallized billions of years ago, then reached Earth as a meteorite. Similar appearances can also result from terrestrial iron slag or heavily corroded metal, which must be ruled out by testing.

Uses & applications

Meteorites are valued as educational and collectible specimens; iron types are cut, polished, and etched to reveal Widmanstätten patterns. They have no ordinary construction use.

Geological facts

A nickel test, density measurement, and laboratory elemental analysis are important; a clean etched face may show interlocking Widmanstätten bands. Slag commonly contains abundant glassy bubbles and irregular mineral inclusions.

Field identification & locations

Common iron meteorite finds include Campo del Cielo (Argentina), Sikhote-Alin (Russia), and Canyon Diablo (Arizona). Strong magnetism, unusually high density, nickel detection, and absence of uniform industrial vesicles support identification, but laboratory verification is recommended.