The facts
What meteoritic Iron actually is
Mineralogically, meteoritic Iron is kamacite–taenite alloy (native element) — Fe,Ni, crystallising in the cubic system.
The colour is caused by metallic reflectance; the Widmanstätten figure is an intergrowth texture, not a colour. That is worth knowing because it determines what heating, light and time can and cannot do to the stone.
A refractometer gives nothing, because the material is opaque, and the specific gravity sits near 7.8–7.9; cleavage is none; Neumann lines and octahedral parting.
Where meteoritic Iron comes from
The recognised sources are Gibeon, Namibia, Muonionalusta, Norrbotten, Sweden, Campo del Cielo, Chaco, Argentina and Sikhote-Alin, Primorsky Krai, Russia.
Origin affects price in this material, so we name the locality on every quote rather than the country. "African" or "Asian" tells a buyer nothing.
How meteoritic Iron is treated
Slices are ground, polished and nitric-acid etched to reveal the Widmanstätten pattern, then oiled or rhodium-plated against rust; this etching is standard and disclosed. Gibeon export is now restricted, so provenance paperwork matters.
None of this is a problem when it is said out loud. It becomes one the moment it is left out.
What meteoritic Iron is confused with
The usual confusions are Terrestrial slag, Industrial steel with etched grain and Magnetite-rich rock.
Because the material is opaque, refractive index is no help. Specific gravity around 7.8–7.9, hardness of 4–5, streak and magnification do the work instead.
What meteoritic Iron is used for
Meteoritic Iron is bought by jewellery, mineral collecting and decorative objects — and each of those trades wants a different form of the same material.
We quote each application in the unit that trade actually buys in, by the carat, by the specimen or by the piece.
Durability and care
Meteoritic Iron is 4–5 on the Mohs scale, with none; Neumann lines and octahedral parting cleavage.
Below about 5.5 a stone will be scratched by ordinary household dust, which is largely quartz. That does not make it unusable — it makes it a pendant, an earring or an object rather than a ring worn every day.
Warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners on anything fracture-filled, stabilised, dyed or visibly included.
What meteoritic Iron costs
Indicative pricing for meteoritic Iron is Etched slices $2–$10 per gram; watch-dial and ring stock commands more.
That is a range, not a quote. Colour, size, clarity, cut and origin move the figure a long way inside it, and the only honest price is one given against a specific stone. Send us what you need and we will price it.
Questions
Is meteoritic Iron treated, and how?
Slices are ground, polished and nitric-acid etched to reveal the Widmanstätten pattern, then oiled or rhodium-plated against rust; this etching is standard and disclosed. Gibeon export is now restricted, so provenance paperwork matters.
Where does meteoritic Iron come from?
Gibeon, Namibia, Muonionalusta, Norrbotten, Sweden, Campo del Cielo, Chaco, Argentina and Sikhote-Alin, Primorsky Krai, Russia. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is meteoritic Iron hard enough to wear every day?
Not really. At 4–5 on the Mohs scale it is softer than the quartz dust in ordinary household dirt, so it scratches with wear. It suits pendants, earrings and objects better than a daily ring.
How much does meteoritic Iron cost?
Indicatively Etched slices $2–$10 per gram; watch-dial and ring stock commands more. Colour, size, clarity and origin move the price a long way within that, so treat it as a range and ask for a quote against a specific stone.
What is meteoritic Iron confused with?
Most often Terrestrial slag, Industrial steel with etched grain and Magnetite-rich rock. Since the material is opaque, separation relies on specific gravity near 7.8–7.9, hardness and magnification.
What is meteoritic Iron used for besides jewellery?
mineral collecting and decorative objects. Each of those trades buys it in a different form and a different unit.
Related stones
Looking for meteoritic iron?
Tell us the size, the quality and what it is for. We source it, photograph it and quote it — with the locality named.
Ask about meteoritic iron