Iron Meteorite Identification Pictures: A Guide to Recognizing Space Rocks

Meteorites are fragments of rock or metal that have fallen to Earth from space, and identifying one can be a fascinating experience. However, not all unusual rocks or pieces of metal are meteorites. Here's how to identify an iron meteorite by examining its characteristics:

1. No Bubbles: One way to rule out other possibilities is to check for bubbles or vesicles in the rock. Volcanic rocks and metallic slag on Earth often have these features, but meteorites do not.

2. Unusual Shape: Iron-nickel meteorites tend to have an irregular shape with unusual pits like finger prints on their surface, known as regmaglypts. They are rarely rounded or spherical in shape.

3. Magnetic Attraction: Since most meteorites contain metallic iron, they often exhibit magnetic attraction. A magnet will stick to the meteorite, making it easy to identify.

4. High Density: Meteorites are typically heavy for their size due to their composition of dense minerals and metallic iron.

5. No Fusion Crust: Unlike stony meteorites, which have a thin fusion crust on their surface from melting during atmospheric entry, iron-nickel meteorites do not exhibit this characteristic.

6. Lack of Light-Colored Crystals: Meteorites do not contain light-colored crystals like quartz, which is common in Earth's crust but rare elsewhere in the solar system.

By examining these characteristics, you can increase your chances of identifying an iron meteorite and distinguishing it from other unusual rocks or pieces of metal. However, keep in mind that only a trained professional can verify a meteorite with certainty.

Iron meteorite identification pictures