Meteorite (Iron)
Meteorite (Iron) is meteorite (iron-nickel), Fe-Ni alloy (kamacite/taenite). In the hand, it rates 4 to 5 on the Mohs scale, and it runs gunmetal gray and rusty brown crust. Dense magnetic metal with thumbprint-like surface dimples (regmaglypts); etched slices reveal crosshatched Widmanstätten patterns. Famous falls sold legally: Campo del Cielo (Argentina), Canyon Diablo (Arizona), Sikhote-Alin (Russia), Gibeon (Namibia).
The geology.
Meteorite (Iron) carries the formula Fe-Ni alloy (kamacite/taenite). It belongs to the isometric (alloy) system. On paper it is meteorite (iron-nickel).
It sits at 4 to 5 on the Mohs scale. The surface reads metallic. Light behaviour is opaque. Specific gravity runs 7.0 to 8.0. The streak is gray-black. It breaks with hackly metallic fracture.
Dense magnetic metal with thumbprint-like surface dimples (regmaglypts); etched slices reveal crosshatched Widmanstätten patterns.
Expect to see it as sculpted nuggets, sliced and etched slabs or jewelry.
The origins.
Famous falls sold legally: Campo del Cielo (Argentina), Canyon Diablo (Arizona), Sikhote-Alin (Russia), Gibeon (Namibia).
On value, the database notes: mid-range per gram for common irons; pallasites and lunars are prized.
Traditional associations.
In energy work traditions, associated with cosmic perspective and endurance.
Recorded here because it is part of how this material is sold, not because it is a property of the material.
Spotting the real thing.
Dense magnetic metal with thumbprint-like surface dimples (regmaglypts); etched slices reveal crosshatched Widmanstätten patterns.
'Meteor-wrongs' (slag, magnetite, hematite) dominate amateur finds; for purchases, stick to documented falls with classification.
| Looks like | How to tell them apart |
|---|---|
| Industrial slag | Slag has gas bubbles, meteorites essentially never do, and lower density |
| Hematite/magnetite chunks | They streak (red-brown/black); iron meteorites barely streak and look hackly-metallic when filed |
| Man-made iron | No nickel: real iron meteorites run 5 to 10% nickel (a lab or test kit can verify) |
At-home tests.
None of these need a lab. A 10x loupe, good daylight and a steady hand cover most of what a buyer needs to know about meteorite (iron).
| Test | What you should see |
|---|---|
| Magnet check | Strong magnet attraction |
| Look for bubbles | No vesicles/bubbles anywhere |
| Window-file a corner | bright metal, not stone |
| By eye | Density 7+ (very heavy) |
Stop short of anything that leaves a mark. A gemologist can answer the rest without damaging the stone.
Care & handling.
At 4 to 5 on the Mohs scale this is a soft material. Keep it as a display piece, store it apart from harder stones, and skip daily-wear settings.
It breaks with hackly metallic fracture, which is worth knowing before you set it or drop it.
Skip the ultrasonic. Lukewarm water, mild soap and a soft cloth handle routine cleaning without risk.
A deeper look.
Extended detail on composition, sourcing, authentication and market value.
The physical record
The formula on record is Fe-Ni alloy (kamacite/taenite). Crystal system: Isometric (alloy). Specific gravity: 7.0 to 8.0. Streak: Gray-black. Cleavage and fracture: Hackly metallic fracture.
How it reaches the market
Famous falls sold legally: Campo del Cielo (Argentina), Canyon Diablo (Arizona), Sikhote-Alin (Russia), Gibeon (Namibia).
What it gets confused with
Industrial slag: Slag has gas bubbles, meteorites essentially never do, and lower density. Hematite/magnetite chunks: They streak (red-brown/black); iron meteorites barely streak and look hackly-metallic when filed. Man-made iron: No nickel: real iron meteorites run 5 to 10% nickel (a lab or test kit can verify).
What it is worth
Mid-range per gram for common irons; pallasites and lunars are prized.
Where buyers get caught
'Meteor-wrongs' (slag, magnetite, hematite) dominate amateur finds; for purchases, stick to documented falls with classification.
One more thing
The Widmanstätten crosshatch in etched slices took millions of years per degree of cooling to form, it cannot be forged.
An education-first guide.
We do not carry meteorite (iron). This page exists because the question comes up and the honest answer is worth writing down, whether or not there is anything here to sell you.
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