Iron Meteorite Meaning, Uses, and Properties
A guide for the history, meaning, and properties of Iron Meteorites.
Spiritual Cleansing | Channeling Energy | Spirit Guides
Iron meteorites are exceptionally old, and their use in spiritual communities is limited only by their accessibility. Despite being rare, iron meteorites are used by some for meditation. This is because iron meteorites are said to provide cleansing energies to one's spirit, and they are said to connect with other spirit guides. Though, perhaps it is their scarcity that attracts spiritualists to use them.
The mystique surrounding iron meteorites is an element as to why spiritualists love this. Some believe that iron meteorites are a direct channel to other energies spread out across numerous galaxies. Others believe that they can use the spiritual properties of iron meteorites to channel a strong connection with other spirit guides.
Matters are different when considering the physical or scientific front.
The Origins of Iron Meteorites
Iron meteorites primarily find their origin in the hearts of large asteroids. These celestial bodies are primarily made up of a nickel-iron alloy, which bears a resemblance to the core materials found deep within our own planet. When massive asteroids undergo differentiation—a process where they separate into layers based on density—their metallic cores form. This process is akin to how Earth's core is structured. Over time, collisions and other cosmic events break apart these asteroid cores, sending fragments on a journey through space. These fragments eventually make their way to Earth, landing on its surface as iron meteorites. Thus, the journey of an iron meteorite begins in the core of a large asteroid before making its way across the universe to our planet.
What Happens to Asteroidal Cores When Exposed to the Cold and Vacuum of Space?
When asteroidal cores are thrust into the frigid, airless environment of space, a fascinating transformation occurs. Initially molten, the metal within these cores begins to cool gradually, a process spanning millions of years. This intense, prolonged cooling results in the formation of intricate, interwoven metallic structures. These structures, known as lamellae, are a direct result of the slow crystallization and cooling of the core material, sculpted under the stark conditions of space.
What Notable Meteorite Fell in Nebraska in 1933, and How Was Its Fall Documented?
In 1933, a significant meteorite, classified as an achondrite (eucrite-mmict), dramatically descended upon Nebraska, specifically in Sioux County. This celestial event occurred on August 8th and stirred quite a commotion. Initially, the loud impact led some residents to mistake it for an earthquake, showcasing the magnitude of its fall.
Local newspapers documented this unusual event, with coverage appearing just a couple of days later. As detailed in a prominent article on the fifth page of the Lincoln Star on August 10, 1933, the meteorite's arrival was a public spectacle. This coverage not only highlighted the confusion it caused but also captured the local community's intrigue and fascination with the extraterrestrial visitor.
Why Are Iron Meteorites More Easily Recognized Than Other Meteorites?
Iron meteorites are notably easier to identify than their counterparts. This recognition advantage primarily stems from their distinctive metallic composition. Unlike stony meteorites, which often resemble terrestrial rocks, iron meteorites stand out. Their shiny, metallic surfaces and dense weight are tell-tale signs, making them easier to spot.
Another factor enhancing their distinctiveness is the presence of unique patterns known as Widmanstätten lines. These lines, which are only visible after cutting and etching the meteorite’s surface, serve as a geological fingerprint, setting them apart from other rock forms.
Additionally, their resistance to weathering contributes to their visibility. While other meteorites may erode or blend into their surroundings, iron meteorites maintain their structural integrity, allowing them to persist in various environments.
Thus, even though they represent a small fraction of all meteorite types, their recognizable traits make iron meteorites more readily identifiable by both collectors and casual observers.
Iron meteorites are ferrous meteorites. This iron is not a typical type of iron found on Earth. It is a special alloy consisting of nickel and iron. This alloy can be either kamacite, which has less nickel, or taenite, which has more nickel. Anything found on Earth made of either alloy comes from space. Iron meteorites have been used in tools and weapons historically, though not often. Some of these can be found in the Americas, as wrought iron was difficult to come by. One theory holds that the Inuit used iron meteorites in their knives and arrowheads. Unfortunately, iron meteorites are rare, and their history is difficult to trace and understand.
When these meteorites made bold contact with Earth, their material was quickly scavenged for use. Ancient people respected meteoric iron, and one of the most famous examples of this is King Tutankhamun's meteoric iron dagger.
When it comes to scientific matters, well, there's a lot that goes into classifying, identifying, and detailing the specific chemical composition of any meteorite, let alone iron meteorites specifically.
The age of these meteorites can vary quite a bit. Some meteorites are billions of years old. Yeah. Billions. Some, however, are only millions. That's still a lot, especially when you put that against the modern human (which is also old, to be fair).
One distinct feature of iron meteorites that many people bring up is the pattern it has. These are called Widmanstätten patterns. This beautiful pattern has to do with the composition of the meteorite (nickel and iron) when it cooled. These pretty bands have resulted in people using iron meteorites for jewelry.
To dive deeper, the Widmanstätten pattern is named after
Here's how they form:
- Cosmic Collisions: When asteroids collide in space, their cores are exposed to the cold vacuum.
- Slow Cooling: Over millions of years, the molten metal within these cores cools slowly.
- Resulting Structure: This lengthy cooling process results in the intricate, intergrown metallic lamellae, creating the distinct patterns.
This natural artwork not only adds a touch of cosmic elegance to jewelry but also tells a story of celestial events spanning eons. Whether you're a science enthusiast or a fashion lover, the Widmanstätten pattern is a testament to nature's ability to blend art with science.
This beautiful pattern has to do with the composition of the meteorite (nickel and iron) when it cooled. These pretty bands have resulted in people using iron meteorites for jewelry.
When asteroidal cores are exposed to the cold, vast expanse of space due to cosmic collisions, a fascinating transformation occurs. The molten metal within these cores, primarily composed of nickel and iron, begins to cool.
Over millions of years, this slow cooling process results in the formation of intergrown metallic lamellae. These intricate layers create stunning patterns that are not only visually captivating but also scientifically significant.
The bands you see in iron meteorites are a testament to this natural artistry, offering a glimpse into the meteorite's long journey through space. It's no wonder these celestial treasures are highly sought after for crafting unique jewelry pieces.
It's no secret that people love beauty and exotic materials. It's rare, has cool, unique bands, and is something from outer space. Of course, people are going to make jewelry out of it. Our store has iron meteorites because we also happen to love them and aren't ashamed to spread that love to everyone else.
In any case, this is perhaps a more contemporary use of iron meteorites. Historically, these meteorites were a reliable source of iron, and so their use was more or less practical until other sources turned up. Spiritual communities then gave iron meteorite meaning and other metaphysical properties that people admire.
Classifications
This requires its own section; classifying iron meteorites is a highly scientific topic. There are different types of meteorites, and then are different types of iron meteorites. So, what are they? There are three main classes, structurally speaking: octahedrites, ataxites, and hexahedrites. These are dependent on whether or not they are nickel-rich. Octahedrites are common and are generally divided into different classes.
Octahedrite sub-classes are dependent on the layers or plates of kamacite bands. To determine where an iron meteorite fits in an octahedrite sub-class, researchers will examine the kamacite lamellae and sort it based on the width of these plates or bands. Typically, these are defined as "coarse" or "fine." Coarse is if these plates are over 3.3mm wide; fine specimens have less than .2mm.
Ataxites are unique and exceptionally rare. They are nickel-rich, and the kamacite width on ataxites is virtually impossible to measure from the naked eye. It is because they are relatively abundant with nickel that these unique patterns do not emerge.
Finally, we have hexahedrites. These are not nickel-rich, but they lack that beautiful pattern we know and love.
This is still only a brief overview of how these materials are defined. Properly classifying iron meteorites is generally extensive work. We didn't even go into how chemical classification works, as that is an entirely separate animal. But this should be a decent enough overview for anyone who is interested to seek out more material. As always, we have the sources down below.
The Wrap Up
Iron meteorites are simply fascinating. To think that we have something so old and so beautiful in our store fills us with joy. Many believe an iron meteorite has metaphysical properties, and we have an appreciation for it based on what it is.
Iron meteorites are fascinating and many of them have cool patterns, which depend entirely on its classification. We know that section was perhaps a bit dry for many of our readers. However, for those who were interested in it, we hop that it gives you a quick glance at the work that goes into classifying meteorites, or, more specifically, iron meteorites and their properties.
Historically, iron meteorites were a reasonable source of iron. You can always check ancient Egypt on that, too. As always, thank you for reading!
Sources
Scott, E. Iron Meteorites: Composition, Age, and Origin. Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Planetary Science. Retrieved 24 Mar. 2023, from https://oxfordre.com/planetaryscience/view/10.1093/acrefore/9780190647926.001.0001/acrefore-9780190647926-e-206.
https://www.mindat.org/min-52787.html
https://sites.wustl.edu/meteoritesite/items/metal-iron-nickel/
Buchwald, Vagn Fabritius. Iron and Steel in Ancient Times. Denmark, “The” Royal danish academy of sciences and letters,., 2005.
Buchwald, Vagn Fabritius. Meteoritic Iron, Telluric Iron and Wrought Iron in Greenland. Denmark, Commission for Scientific Research in Greenland, 1985.
https://geology.com/meteorites/iron-meteorites.shtml
https://www.nasa.gov/connect/chat/meteorite1.html
