Iron Meteorite (likely Carbonaceous Chondrite or Ni-Fe matrix)
Meteoritic Iron (Kamacite and Taenite mixture) · Meteoritic Material / Collector Mineral
Crystal System
Cubic (Isometric); usually occurring as massive, granulated, or in crystalline Widmanstätten patterns when etched
Mineral Group
Native Elements; specifically Iron-Nickel Alloys
Chemical Formula
(Fe,Ni) - Iron and Nickel alloy with potential trace elements of Co, P, Ir
Formation Process
Crystallized from a molten metallic core of a differentiated asteroid over millions of years (cooling in space)
About This Crystal
Dark, metallic, and granular appearance with a rough, pitted surface texture. Shows a high-metallic to sub-metallic luster with tiny reflective facets from micro-crystalline structures. Opaque and heavy.
Physical Characteristics
Color: Gunmetal gray to brownish-black; Streak: Metallic gray; Cleavage: None; Fracture: Hackly or jagged; Specific Gravity: 7.0–8.0; Magnetism: Highly magnetic; Fluorescence: None
Optical Properties
Opaque; Metallic reflection; No refractive index (metal); Non-pleochroic; Surface shows granular twinkling under direct light
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
Extraterrestrial source; notable falls include Campo del Cielo (Argentina), Sikhote-Alin (Russia), and Canyon Diablo (USA)
Hardness & Durability
Mohs hardness 4–5.5; High toughness but subject to oxidation; Very durable but susceptible to rust (corrosion) if exposed to moisture
Care & Maintenance
Keep strictly dry. Use silica gel desiccant for storage. Clean only with anhydrous alcohol or specialized oil (like CLP) to prevent oxidation. Avoid water and high humidity.
Rarity & Value
Uncommon to Rare; value is based on weight, classification (type of meteorite), and presence of regmaglypts or internal patterns; sold by gram
Special Characteristics
High nickel content; strong attraction to magnets; extraterrestrial origin; may contain chondrules or inclusions of troilite or graphite
Lore & History
Historically used by ancient civilizations (Egyptians, Inuit) to forge 'blades from heaven.' In folklore, believed to represent strength from the stars and connection to the cosmos.