meteorite

Weathered metallic meteorite (probable iron meteorite)

Fe–Ni alloy, mainly kamacite and taenite; exact classification requires chemical and petrographic testing

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Dark brown-gray, rounded fusion-crusted exterior with metallic patches and possible oxidation pits; typical iron meteorites have Mohs hardness ~4–5, metallic luster, high density (~7–8 g/cm³), and no cleavage. The image alone cannot confirm metal content or an extraterrestrial origin.

Identified August 19, 2026More meteorite →

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At a glance

Common name: Weathered metallic meteorite (probable iron meteorite)
Scientific name: Fe–Ni alloy, mainly kamacite and taenite; exact classification requires chemical and petrographic testing
Category: meteorite
Identified: August 19, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $1–$10 per gram for common authenticated iron meteorites; roughly $50–$300+ for an attractive small specimen, depending on provenance and classification.

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

Iron meteorites crystallized from molten metal cores of differentiated asteroids roughly 4.5 billion years ago, then reached Earth as impact fragments; surface rusting produces brown oxide coatings. A terrestrial iron-rich rock or slag is an important alternative.

Uses & applications

Primarily valued for scientific study and collecting; cut and etched specimens may display Widmanstätten patterns and are sometimes used in jewelry or displays.

Geological facts

A genuine iron meteorite commonly attracts a strong magnet and leaves a dense, heavy impression for its size, but these tests are not definitive.

Field identification & locations

Look for a thin dark fusion crust, regmaglypts, unusual density, and magnetic response; nickel testing, polished-section etching, and laboratory analysis are needed for authentication. Common finds include Namibia, Argentina, Mexico, and Australia.