Iron-Nickel Meteorite
Kamacite/Taenite (Meteoritic Iron) · Meteoritic Material / Collector Mineral
Crystal System
Cubic (Isometric); forms Widmanstätten patterns (octahedral interleaving) in slow-cooling environments.
Mineral Group
Native Elements (Iron Group)
Chemical Formula
(Fe,Ni); typically 90% Iron, 5-10% Nickel with trace Cobalt, Phosphorus, and Sulfur
Formation Process
Extra-terrestrial igneous crystallization from the molten core of a differentiated asteroid or protoplanet over millions of years.
About This Crystal
Opaque, metallic specimen with a silvery-grey to dark brown weathered exterior. Exhibits a high metallic luster on fresh surfaces and often shows a characteristic pitted texture (regmaglypts) from atmospheric entry.
Physical Characteristics
Color: Steel-grey to black; Streak: Grey/Black; Cleavage: None; Fracture: Hackly or jagged; Specific Gravity: 7.3 - 7.87; Magnetism: Strongly Magnetic; Fluorescence: None.
Optical Properties
Opaque (no refractive index in the visible spectrum); high metallic reflectivity; no pleochroism or dispersion.
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
Extraterrestrial; common notable falls include Campo del Cielo (Argentina), Muonionalusta (Sweden), and Sikhote-Alin (Russia).
Hardness & Durability
Mohs Hardness: 4.5 - 5.5; Highly ductile and tough (resistant to shattering); high stability unless exposed to moisture.
Care & Maintenance
Keep dry to prevent oxidation (rusting); clean with anhydrous alcohol or light machine oil; store in low-humidity environments with silica gel; avoid water and acids.
Rarity & Value
Rare to Uncommon; value is determined by weight (per gram), provenance, presence of Widmanstätten patterns, and size. Prices range from $0.50 to $5.00+ USD per gram.
Special Characteristics
Strong ferromagnetism; potential for Widmanstätten pattern (Thomson structure) if etched with acid; contains cosmic-ray-produced isotopes.
Lore & History
Historically used to forge 'heavenly' blades (e.g., King Tut's dagger); symbolized power from the gods. In metaphysical lore, it is believed to assist in grounding, endurance, and connection to cosmic energy.