meteorite

Possible weathered metallic meteorite fragment

Unclassified iron-rich meteorite; exact classification requires laboratory testing

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Irregular brown-black, rusted surface with possible metallic interior; likely dense and magnetic, with metallic luster on fresh faces. Iron meteorites are mainly kamacite and taenite, Mohs hardness about 4–5, with no cleavage.

Identified August 14, 2026More meteorite →

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At a glance

Common name: Possible weathered metallic meteorite fragment
Scientific name: Unclassified iron-rich meteorite; exact classification requires laboratory testing
Category: meteorite
Identified: August 14, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

If confirmed as an ordinary iron meteorite: roughly $1–$10 per gram; rare authenticated types may exceed $50 per gram. If slag or terrestrial rock: usually under $5.

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

Could be an oxidized meteorite formed in a differentiated asteroid’s metallic core, typically billions of years old; terrestrial iron-rich slag or ordinary iron-bearing rock is also possible from the image alone.

Uses & applications

Meteorites are valued primarily by collectors and researchers; iron meteorites are studied for planetary differentiation and may be cut, polished, and etched to reveal Widmanstätten patterns.

Geological facts

A magnet, high density, rounded fusion crust, and lack of vesicles support meteoritic identification, but rust alone is not diagnostic. A nickel test and laboratory elemental analysis are needed.

Field identification & locations

Common possibilities include iron meteorites such as Canyon Diablo, but terrestrial iron slag is far more common. Check for strong magnetism, a thin fusion crust, regmaglypts, and absence of bubbly texture; avoid destructive testing without expert advice.