Rock Identifier
Possible iron meteorite fragment (Iron meteorite, likely kamacite–taenite alloy) — meteorite
meteorite

Possible iron meteorite fragment

Iron meteorite, likely kamacite–taenite alloy

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Dark, irregular metallic-looking fragment; apparent hardness about 4–5.5, high density, opaque, and typically weakly magnetic. The image is too low-resolution to confirm fusion crust, metal grains, or regmaglypts.

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Physical properties

Dark, irregular metallic-looking fragment; apparent hardness about 4–5.5, high density, opaque, and typically weakly magnetic. The image is too low-resolution to confirm fusion crust, metal grains, or regmaglypts.

Formation & geological history

If genuine, it formed in a differentiated asteroid’s metallic core and crystallized billions of years ago, commonly 4.5 billion years old, before landing on Earth. Terrestrial slag or dark iron-rich rock is a more common look-alike.

Uses & applications

Meteorites are primarily collected and studied; iron meteorites may be cut, etched, and displayed. Confirmed specimens can have substantial collector value.

Geological facts

A magnet attraction, clean metallic interior, and Widmanstätten pattern after professional etching support identification; vesicular texture or abundant glassy slag strongly argues against a meteorite.

Field identification & locations

Test with a strong magnet, inspect a fresh cut surface, and measure density; avoid destructive acid tests. Confirmation requires petrographic or elemental analysis, especially because the object may also be slag, basalt, or industrial debris.

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