meteorite

Possible iron-rich meteorite

Provisional: stony-iron or iron meteorite; mineralogy may include kamacite (α-Fe,Ni) and taenite (γ-Fe,Ni)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Dark brown-black, metallic to dull luster with rounded, melted-looking surfaces and possible fusion crust; suspected iron meteorites are dense, typically Mohs ~4–5, and may show magnetic response. The image alone cannot confirm metal content, crystal structure, or a Widmanstätten pattern.

Identified September 12, 2026More meteorite →

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At a glance

Common name: Possible iron-rich meteorite
Scientific name: Provisional: stony-iron or iron meteorite; mineralogy may include kamacite (α-Fe,Ni) and taenite (γ-Fe,Ni)
Category: meteorite
Identified: September 12, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

$0–$20 if unverified terrestrial material; roughly $1–$10 per gram for an authenticated common meteorite, with rarer classifications much higher.

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

Formation & geological history

If extraterrestrial, it formed in a differentiated asteroid’s metallic core or silicate-metal zone and reached Earth after atmospheric ablation; terrestrial weathering appears to have produced the brown coating. Age would commonly be ~4.5 billion years, but identification requires testing.

Uses & applications

Meteorites are collected and studied for planetary science; iron-rich pieces may be cut, polished, and displayed as specimens. They have no conventional construction use.

Geological facts

Shape and dark surface are compatible with a meteorite but also with terrestrial iron slag, hematite-rich rock, or weathered metal. A nickel test, density measurement, magnet test, and laboratory classification are important; a fusion crust alone is not diagnostic.

Field identification & locations

Commonly found as isolated stones in deserts, Antarctica, and cultivated fields; suspected meteorites often lack vesicles and may attract a magnet. Confirm with a streak test, density, nickel assay, and ideally thin-section or elemental analysis.