meteorite
Stony-Iron Meteorite (likely Mesosiderite or Ordinary Chondrite)
Meteorite (Silicate-Metal Matrix)
Hardness: 5-6 Mohs. Color: Blackish-brown fusion crust with metallic luster flakes. Dense/heavy. Irregular shape with potential regmaglypts (thumbprints). High iron-nickel content.
- Hardness
- 5-6 Mohs
- Color
- Blackish-brown fusion crust with metallic luster flakes
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Physical properties
Hardness: 5-6 Mohs. Color: Blackish-brown fusion crust with metallic luster flakes. Dense/heavy. Irregular shape with potential regmaglypts (thumbprints). High iron-nickel content.
Formation & geological history
Formed in the early solar system roughly 4.5 billion years ago, potentially from the fragmented core-mantle boundary of an asteroid. Found in Visakhapatnam region (17.7N, 83.3E), India, which features ancient Eastern Ghats metamorphic rocks, but meteorites are extra-terrestrial falls.
Uses & applications
Scientific research into solar system evolution, high-value collector items, and rare jewelry use.
Geological facts
Meteorites are older than any rock originating on Earth. This specimen shows a characteristic 'fusion crust' caused by intense frictional heating as it passed through Earth's atmosphere.
Field identification & locations
Identify using the 'magnet test' (most are magnetic), checking for high density (heavier than terrestrial rocks of same size), and observing a thin, dark outer crust. Local region 17.7N 83.3E is a coastal area where such dark rocks should be tested for magnetism to distinguish from local magnetite or basalt.
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