meteorite

Weathered metallic fragment, possibly iron meteorite or industrial slag

Uncertain; candidate iron meteorite (Fe–Ni alloy), but terrestrial slag or corroded metal is also plausible

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Dark gray, metallic-to-dull luster with rusty brown oxidation and an irregular, possibly melted surface; hardness and crystal structure cannot be determined from the image. A meteorite should be strongly magnetic and unusually dense, whereas slag may show bubbles or glassy texture.

Identified September 9, 2026More meteorite →

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At a glance

Common name: Weathered metallic fragment, possibly iron meteorite or industrial slag
Scientific name: Uncertain; candidate iron meteorite (Fe–Ni alloy), but terrestrial slag or corroded metal is also plausible
Category: meteorite
Identified: September 9, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

$0–$5 if slag or ordinary metal; approximately $20–$200+ if authenticated as a small iron meteorite.

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 meteoritic, it formed in a differentiated asteroid and may be billions of years old; if slag, it is human-produced smelting waste. The pavement setting and apparent oxidation make terrestrial metal or slag at least as likely.

Uses & applications

Iron meteorites are collector specimens; slag has little value except as an industrial or historical curiosity.

Geological facts

Visual identification is inconclusive: fusion crust, Widmanstätten patterns, and a nickel test are needed to support a meteorite identification.

Field identification & locations

Test with a magnet, measure density, and inspect a freshly cut or filed area for metal and crystalline Widmanstätten pattern; do not rely on appearance alone. Meteorites commonly contain nickel and lack vesicles.